Over 100 Artists, Musicians, and Writers Demand Immediate Cancellation of Death Sentence and Release of Tomaj Salehi

More than 100 artists, musicians, writers, and cultural and human rights figures have expressed solidarity with Tomaj Salehi, a imprisoned protest rapper in Iran, calling for his immediate and unconditional release. The signatories of this statement, published on the website of the reputable British organization 'Index on Censorship' on Friday, May 21, stated that Tomaj Salehi was sentenced to death for using his voice and music against human rights violations by the Iranian regime. Signatories include Sting, Margaret Atwood, David Aronovitch, Yasmin Abdel-Magied, Majid Adin, Rashad Ali, Lord David Alton, Ruth Anderson, Kerry Andrew, Ali Ansari, John Arma, Mona Arshi, Neil Asherson, Babak Ganji, Tamara Bashak, Steve Beresford, Eli Brazil, Simon Brodkin, Tina Brown, Shriner Brown, Alastair Campbell, Stevie Chik, Andrew Capson, DJ Hossein Debagh, Steven Dalton, Matthew D'Ancona, and Andy Diagram. They wrote: 'Many of Salehi's songs describe the human rights situation in Iran, explicitly criticize the regime, and call for the preservation of fundamental rights, including women's rights.' 'Index on Censorship' had previously awarded him its Freedom of Expression award in the arts category at the same time as the death sentence was issued, stating: 'Tomaj Salehi, a rapper known for his artistic support of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement... has been sentenced to death in Iran. Sentencing someone to death for singing about human rights is the most horrific insult to justice.' The signatories emphasized that 'we, artists, musicians, writers, and prominent cultural figures, express solidarity with Tomaj Salehi. We demand the immediate and unconditional cancellation of his death sentence and that he be released without delay, rejecting all charges against him.' They added: 'Art must be allowed to criticize, inspire, and challenge the ruling power. This is both our right and our duty as artists.' The statement concludes: 'No artist should be subjected to judicial harassment for exercising their right to freedom of expression, let alone be sentenced to death.' 'Index on Censorship' had previously sent an urgent request on May 2 from Tomaj Salehi's family to two UN special representatives for a review of the death sentence against this protest singer. The NGO advocating for freedom of expression stated that the British legal team acting on behalf of Tomaj Salehi's family and 'Index on Censorship' referred in their urgent request to the UN special rapporteurs about extrajudicial executions, torture, and degrading treatment of prisoners. The request stated: 'The Iranian government violates its international legal obligations and does not respect Mr. Salehi's rights in areas including the right to life, freedom from torture, fair trial, and freedom of expression.' Nick Williams, policy director at 'Index on Censorship,' said: 'The death sentence against Tomaj Salehi is a horrific abuse of power by a regime that criminalizes art and freedom of expression.' He referred to the widespread crackdown following protests against the death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police in 2022, stating: 'Tomaj's case symbolizes the courage of all those who expressed their dissent. That is why Index on Censorship is proud to work alongside his family and the British legal team for his freedom. No one should be sentenced to death for their music or solidarity with the brave women who protested.'