The Second Trial Session of 'Tataloo' Held at the Tehran Revolutionary Court

The second court session for Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo, the singer known as 'Tataloo,' was held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. The charges against this singer include 'encouraging the youth towards corruption and prostitution,' 'propaganda against the regime,' 'establishing a betting website for gambling and encouraging others to do so,' 'conspiracy against national security by advising supporters,' and 'educational and propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law.' Following a complaint from the Islamic Republic's consulate in Istanbul, Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo was arrested in Turkey on December 6, 2023, and returned to Iran. According to the state news agency IRNA, Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo stated in court, 'I apologize for all my mistakes.' In his defense, he mentioned that the release of a song during the nationwide protests of 2022 was due to the 'provocation' of an Iranian actress living in Turkey. Sahar Ghoreyshi, an Iranian actress and Tataloo's ex-girlfriend, had previously criticized the singer. According to Masoud Setayesh, the spokesperson for the judiciary, multiple cases have been filed against 'Tataloo.' Some media reports indicate that the singer also has private plaintiffs. However, Farideh Vaseq, Amir Hossein Tataloo's mother, recently announced in an Instagram post, without providing details, that 'the doors and seemingly unopenable gates have opened for Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo.' Amir Tataloo, born in 1987 in Tehran, is considered one of the first underground singers in Iran, gaining fame in the 2000s. He is regarded as a controversial figure 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 his presidential campaign in 2017 and the release of a video of their meeting received widespread attention on social media. Claims from the case investigator state that Tataloo has written a letter of repentance and wishes to start a family. The first court session for Tataloo was held with the reading of the indictment. An indictment has been issued for Amir Tataloo, with warnings about the possibility of charges of 'corruption on earth' for this singer. The spokesperson for the judiciary stated that Tataloo has not been transferred outside of prison due to physical and mental health issues.