Iranian Artists React to Death Sentence for Protest Rapper: Free Tomaj Salehi

Reactions to the death sentence issued against Tomaj Salehi, a imprisoned protest rapper in Iran, continue. In recent hours, many artists and famous figures have called for the release of this young singer by sharing visual and audio messages, as well as various other content, including images or songs of Tomaj Salehi on their social media accounts. This article reviews several comments made by Iranian artists. Shohreh Aghdashloo, an actress, posted on her Instagram account: "Tomaj Salehi, a dissident Iranian rap artist, has been sentenced to death for supporting the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests and using his art to criticize the authorities of the Islamic Republic for their crimes and injustices." Nazanin Boniadi, an actress and human rights activist, wrote on her account on 'X': "The Islamic Republic has sentenced Tomaj Salehi, a prominent Iranian rap artist, to death for using his art and platform to criticize the regime's abuses." She added, "We urge rap artists everywhere to loudly condemn this ruling and help free Tomaj." Dariush Eghbali, a singer, shared a short poem on his Instagram account, stating: "Even if the wandering wind passes with the cries of drunken roars; what will you do with the bright morning full of songs?" He shared this message with hashtags like Tomaj Salehi, solidarity of artists, no to the Islamic Republic, and Women, Life, Freedom. Ebrahim Hamidi, known as Ebi, wrote on his Instagram account: "Everything about this Islamic government is inhumane and contrary to reason and fairness. Where in the world is a freedom-loving artist, who sings about equality and humanity, sentenced to death? A judge in a primary court disregards the ruling of the Supreme Court?" He added, "These events only happen in a lawless government with savage rulers." Golshifteh Farahani, an actress, posted on her Instagram account: "Artists of the world, a singer has been sentenced to death just for being a singer; do not remain silent." Kaveh Yaghmaei, a singer and composer, also posted on his Instagram account: "Without war, victory will not happen. The head of the snake awaits a sharp sword and determined fists. In the face of indifference, the dictator will come for me too. Therefore, I fight for freedom and independence of thought. The criminal and corrupt Islamic Republic, free our dear Tomaj, the brave artist of Iran." Emad Qavidel, a rapper, shared an image of Tomaj Salehi on his Instagram story, stating: "With these rulings, no free human will be afraid..." Mojgan Shajarian, a singer, wrote in her Instagram story: "This ruling truly shows how desperate and foolish the butcher government of the Islamic Republic has become, thinking that such executions can instill fear, but they do not realize that our people have crossed the line, and such rulings only ignite the flames of people's anger, even though they know that sooner or later this fire will catch up with them." Mahoor, a singer, posted on her Instagram account: "The filthy clerical government is even afraid of a freedom-loving singer; free Tomaj." Hooman Sidi, an actor and director, shared an image of Tomaj Salehi and said: "I wish someone would come and say this ruling is a lie." Kayhan Kalhor, a musician and composer, shared an image of Tomaj Salehi on his Instagram story, writing: "Tomaj Salehi must be freed immediately. Our silence means support for oppression and the oppressor." Maryam Boobani, an actress, posted on her Instagram account: "What kind of land is this where one must die to live!" Mahnaz Afshar, an actress, wrote on her Instagram account: "Free the freedom seekers and stop staining your hands with the blood of innocent people. In which law and just code is the response to your critics and your injustices execution? Where in the world is the ruler an enemy of his own people?" She added, "You are truly not human; if you were, you would not be so thirsty for blood, and Iran would not be dressed in mourning." Mehdi Yarahee, a singer, wrote on his account on 'X': "The news of Tomaj Salehi's death sentence seems like a black comedy due to its absurdity." He added, "Free my brother unconditionally, for the smoke of this fire will burn your eyes." Hanieh Tosoli, an actress, said on her Instagram account: "The news is horrifying; my whole body trembles. My heart beats so fast it feels like it wants to jump out of my chest. I cry, and I can't help it. I am stunned; it has become evening, and the house is dark, yet I remain stunned." She added, "Tomaj Salehi is a young Iranian. He is a singer. He is a young protest singer. Protesting is not a crime. Being young is not a crime. Being a singer is not a crime. Do you really think the conditions we live in leave no room for protest?" Hengameh Ghaziani, an actress, shared an image of Tomaj Salehi on her Instagram story, referring to the death sentence issued for this protest rapper, saying: "I am blackened by this news; tell me it is a lie." Abbas Ghazali, an actor and director, shared an image of Tomaj Salehi on his Instagram story, saying: "This is not just bad news; it is a shock to the conscience of us all." Tomaj Salehi, the protest rapper, is currently in Dashtgerd prison in Isfahan. The hearing for Tomaj Salehi's charges related to his 2022 case was held on April 30 in the first branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Isfahan, with the addition of two charges of 'conspiracy and collusion, and complicity in rebellion.' Tomaj Salehi has rejected the charges and deemed this court 'illegal,' stating that his trial was conducted 'not according to the law, but at the request of intelligence agencies.' Amir Salar Davoodi: The death sentence for Tomaj Salehi is 'judicial audacity'; Narges Mohammadi: He is the 'soundtrack' of the movement. The continuation of international protests against the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi: Protests against the regime's corruption and evil will never die. The reflection of Tomaj Salehi's death sentence in international media. UN experts' protest against the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi: He must be freed immediately. France strongly condemned the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi. The judiciary's claim: Tomaj is 'regretful' and 'deserving of leniency'; the case lawyer: The death sentence is likely to change. Widespread protests against the 'death sentence' for Tomaj Salehi; Gohar Eshghi: The Khamenei regime has become desperate.