Also available in Persian — نسخه فارسی EN فا
❓ Unknown

Peter Gabriel Joins the 'Free Tomaj Now' Campaign

Feb 4, 2026 February 4, 2026 2 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Peter Gabriel has joined a campaign to save Iranian rapper Tomaj Salehi, who is at risk of execution. Gabriel and other international artists are calling for his immediate and unconditional release, highlighting the dangers faced by artists in Iran. This situation underscores the ongoing human rights abuses in Iran and the international response to them.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Peter Gabriel's support for Tomaj Salehi underscores the urgent need for international action against human rights abuses in Iran.

👥 Key Players

Peter Gabriel MENTIONED
British singer and songwriter
"Gabriel is a prominent human rights activist and his involvement brings international attention to human rights abuses in Iran."
Tomaj Salehi MENTIONED
Iranian rapper facing death penalty
"Salehi represents the plight of artists in Iran who face severe consequences for their expression."
Amnesty International MENTIONED
Human rights organization
"They advocate for the annulment of Salehi's death sentence and highlight broader human rights violations in Iran."
United Nations Human Rights Council MENTIONED
International body monitoring human rights
"Their involvement signifies the global concern over human rights practices in Iran."

📰 What Happened

Peter Gabriel has joined a campaign to save Iranian rapper Tomaj Salehi, who is at risk of execution for his music. Gabriel, along with other artists, is demanding Salehi's immediate release and condemning the death penalty as barbaric.

  • Tomaj Salehi faces the death penalty in Iran for his artistic expression.
  • A letter signed by various international artists has been sent to the UN Human Rights Council advocating for Salehi's release.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: This situation highlights the severe risks faced by artists and dissenters in Iran, reflecting the oppressive environment for free expression.
🌍 Regional: It may inspire solidarity movements among artists and activists in the region who face similar threats.
🌐 International: The involvement of high-profile artists raises global awareness and pressure on Iran regarding its human rights practices.

📚 Background

Iran has a history of punishing artists and activists for their work, often using severe penalties like the death sentence to silence dissent.

Freedom of expression in Iran International human rights advocacy
📡 Source: INTERNATIONAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The article reflects an international perspective on human rights issues in Iran, emphasizing the role of global artists in advocacy.

Peter Gabriel, the famous British singer and songwriter, has joined the campaign to save Tomaj Salehi, an Iranian rapper facing the death penalty. He wrote on his social media: 'I really wanted to participate in this campaign to save Tomaj Salehi, whose life is in danger.' Gabriel added: 'In our countries, making music brings fame and wealth, but for Tomaj, it has brought the death penalty.' He called the death sentence for Tomaj 'barbaric' and demanded its cessation. In a letter written to the United Nations Human Rights Council by a group of Iranian activists abroad, a number of internationally recognized artists stated that they have come together as the 'global community of artists' to demand the immediate and unconditional release of Tomaj Salehi, the Iranian rapper. Notable signatories of this letter include Duran Duran, Pet Shop Boys, Nile Rodgers, and Dave Stewart. Peter Gabriel rose to global fame with the progressive rock band 'Genesis,' which he co-founded in 1967 with his classmates. Gabriel is a human rights activist and has held numerous concerts for this purpose, also founding a charitable organization called 'Witness.' He is also a supporter of Amnesty International. Gabriel has previously participated in projects aimed at raising awareness and funding to support freedom of expression and those imprisoned for using their voice and art. The voice of Tomaj Salehi was heard in front of the Beatles studio in London; the campaign against the death penalty in Iran continues. Iwan Ray, Tomaj Salehi's political guardian, described the increased pressures on him as 'horrific.' Amnesty International has called for the annulment of Tomaj Salehi's death sentence and his 'unconditional' release. There has been a request for an appeal to the Supreme Court; Tomaj Salehi's meetings with his family have been conditioned on 'filming.' The Beatles' legacy is present in the campaign against the Islamic Republic and the death penalty in Iran. A statement from UN experts regarding Mahmoud Mehrabi's death sentence indicated that these punishments are contrary to international law.

🌐

Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

📰 Related Coverage

⚖️ Independent Platform — Artesh.com is not affiliated with any government, military, or political organization. Editorial Policy →