Reactions to the Revocation of the Death Sentence for Tomaj Salehi; Political and Human Rights Figures Call for Pressure on the Islamic Republic and Freedom for Tomaj

The revocation of the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi, a protesting rapper, was welcomed by political and human rights activists, who emphasized the need for continued unity and international pressure on the Islamic Republic for Tomaj's freedom. "Yewan Ray," a representative of the German Social Democratic Party, who is politically sponsoring Tomaj Salehi, wrote on X: "The Supreme Court's ruling may relate to next week's elections, but the Islamic Republic knows that if it wants to appear somewhat committed to the constitution, it cannot change its stance on Tomaj's sentence again." The political sponsor of Tomaj once again called for his freedom. The prominent censorship organization, the Human Rights Foundation, and Tomaj Salehi's international legal team issued a joint statement regarding the cancellation of his sentence, stating: "This ruling was issued after about three years of judicial harassment, detention, and torture. Therefore, even a short period of imprisonment is unjust for him. Tomaj has only demanded respect for his fundamental rights and those of other Iranians and should be free to continue his music and receive necessary medical care without imprisonment or harassment." Masih Alinejad, a political activist, considered the issuance of this ruling as indicative of the "power of unity" and "international pressure." Alinejad wrote on X: "Let us not forget that this popular rapper was unjustly detained and tortured for his music regarding the 'Women, Life, Freedom' uprising, and we must be his voice until the day he is free from prison." Nazanin Afshin-Jam, a former Miss Canada and human rights activist, expressed her happiness over the cancellation of Tomaj's death sentence, stating: "Considering that Tomaj and thousands of other Iranian political prisoners should never have been imprisoned in the first place, we must continue to pressure the regime. Freedom of expression, assembly, and the use of fundamental human rights is not a crime." Amir Raisian, Tomaj Salehi's lawyer, announced on Saturday, June 22, the revocation of the rapper's death sentence. Raisian explained the revocation of this sentence, stating: "As expected, the Supreme Court prevented an irreparable judicial error." Tomaj Salehi was actively involved during the nationwide protests in Iran, which began following the death of Mahsa Amini in custody of the morality police in late September 2022, and supported protesters and detainees. Saeed Dehghan: The passage of the Tomaj Law in Canada reflects the global community's attention to freedom of expression in Iran. A bipartisan draft of the Tomaj Law was presented to the U.S. Congress in discussions with Elika Eftekhari. Support for Tomaj Salehi, the rapper sentenced to death in Iran. Tomaj Salehi's lawyer announced the revocation of his death sentence. The "Tomaj Sanctions" bill was approved in the Canadian Parliament; 31 judicial officials of the Islamic Republic were sanctioned. The Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize for "Creative Dissent" and "Courage" was awarded to Tomaj Salehi. Amir Raisian: A phone call from Tomaj Salehi from prison has been established. Tomaj Salehi will receive the international "Havel" award for "Creative Dissent."