The Organization for the Alliance Against a Nuclear Iran Calls on the 'Iranian Regime' to Free Tomaj Salehi

On Friday, May 7, the Organization for the Alliance Against a Nuclear Iran referred to the death sentence issued by the judiciary of the Islamic Republic for Iranian rapper Tomaj Salehi, calling on the Islamic Republic to release him immediately. The CEO of the Alliance condemned the issuance of this sentence in a statement, writing: "Tomaj has been the voice of the people of Iran with his music. This is why the Iranian regime fears him and tries to silence him. But Tomaj, like millions of other Iranians, will not be silenced." Mark Wallace added: "The U.S. and its allies must continue to demand the immediate release of Tomaj and other political prisoners from the prisons of the Islamic Republic. But mere demands are not enough as Tomaj's life is in danger, and America's allies in Europe must also issue a clear ultimatum to the Islamic Republic, expelling its diplomats from their capitals and putting pressure on Tehran." He also emphasized: "The Iranian regime only understands the language of force, and now it is time to make it clear to the leaders of the Islamic Republic that their actions will have severe consequences through complete diplomatic isolation, closing embassies, and cutting all diplomatic relations." Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights also called on the Islamic Republic in a report on May 7 to revoke the death sentence of Tomaj Salehi and to immediately and unconditionally release this imprisoned rapper and all individuals imprisoned for expressing their opinions, beliefs, and artistic expression, and to halt the execution of death sentences. Tomaj Salehi, an Iranian rapper opposing the Islamic Republic, was arrested in early November 2022 in connection with nationwide protests by government forces. He was released on bail a year later but was re-arrested a few days later and sent to prison in Isfahan. On April 30, 2023, he was tried in the first branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Court of Isfahan on charges of "conspiracy and collusion, and aiding in rebellion," and his death sentence was communicated to his lawyers on May 5.