Tataloo's Lawyer Says His Client Has Made a Vow to Walk to Karbala After Release

Majid Naghi, one of the lawyers for Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo, known as Amir Tataloo, said on Thursday that his client has vowed to walk to Karbala after his release. According to Mr. Naghi, Tataloo mentioned during a meeting on Thursday with him and his mother: "I have vowed that, God willing, after my problems are resolved, I will walk to Karbala after my release." Naghi expressed hope that, considering Tataloo's "heartfelt and genuine repentance," his request for leave would be granted. Meanwhile, some of the official accounts of this singer on social media have begun to rebroadcast his old song "Agha Komak Kon" (Mr. Help Me). It is unclear whether Tataloo made this statement under pressure from the judicial and security apparatus of the Islamic Republic or if he is trying to become a popular singer again in the Islamic Republic. He was arrested on December 6, 2023, in Turkey following a complaint from the Islamic Republic's consulate in Istanbul and was handed over to Iranian authorities. Tataloo, born in 1987 in Tehran, is considered one of the first underground singers in Iran who gained fame in the 2000s. He is regarded as one of the most controversial Iranian singers due to his numerous tattoos, unconventional appearance, and the provocative content of his songs, videos, and social media posts. His support for Ebrahim Raisi during the 2017 presidential election campaign and the release of a video of their meeting received widespread attention on social media. Tataloo's sister stated that he is working on a new album and a song for "Imam Ali." The spokesperson for the judiciary announced Tataloo's "objection" to the court ruling, and the case is currently in the appeals stage. Tataloo's court-appointed lawyer stated that his family has had "appropriate cooperation" in the "proper management" of this imprisoned singer's case. A ruling for a "long prison sentence" was issued for Amir Tataloo, and the lawyer reported that the ruling has been communicated to the defendant. The last session of Tataloo's trial was held, and his lawyer indicated that his repentance might influence the court's ruling.