Street Protests by Iranians in Several Countries in Support of Tomaj Salehi: Death Sentences Must Be Revoked

In response to the death sentence issued for Tomaj Salehi, a imprisoned protest rapper, Iranians in several countries including Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Finland, Italy, and Switzerland took to the streets on Saturday, April 27. Protesters in Germany rallied in cities such as Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne, Stuttgart, and Munich, chanting against the Islamic Republic and demanding the revocation of death sentences and the unconditional release of all political prisoners. Demonstrators protested against sentences issued for prisoners including Tomaj Salehi, Mojahid Korkor, Reza Rasayi, and Abbas Daris. They called for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to be listed as a terrorist organization, the closure of centers affiliated with the Islamic Republic, and the severing of diplomatic and economic relations with institutions linked to the Islamic Republic. Iranian communities in several U.S. cities, including Washington, New York, Atlanta, Dallas, and Portland, were also set to hold demonstrations in support of Tomaj Salehi on Saturday and Sunday. In recent days, following the news of the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi, a wave of protests has erupted both domestically and internationally. Many artists and celebrities have shared messages, including images or songs of Tomaj Salehi on their social media accounts, calling for the release of this singer. Numerous activists and professional organizations have condemned this ruling. A group of teacher activists in Alborz province issued a statement condemning this ruling, stating: 'The disgraceful record of the government becomes darker every day.' The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights also expressed concern on Friday, April 26, regarding the violent suppression of Iranian women by the Islamic Republic under strict compulsory hijab laws, while simultaneously calling for the unconditional release of Tomaj Salehi, the imprisoned protest rapper. This body also demanded the release of all individuals imprisoned by the Islamic Republic for expressing their opinions, beliefs, and artistic expressions. Criticism continues in Iran and around the world regarding the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi. The execution of 23 individuals in 5 days; a human rights organization warns of the risk of executing Reza Rasayi, a political prisoner. Meanwhile, reactions continue to the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi; his lawyer emphasizes his acquittal from the charge of 'corruption on earth.' The Coordination Council of Cultural Associations of Iran has called for the revocation of Tomaj Salehi's death sentence.