Tomaaj Salehi Summoned to Court for the Song 'Typhus'

Tomaaj Salehi, the protesting rapper, announced on Saturday, February 20, via a video message on social media that he has been summoned to court on February 30, facing several charges for releasing the song 'Typhus'. In 'Typhus', Mr. Salehi criticizes pro-Islamic Republic rappers. In his video message, he explained that this music is considered a 'diss track' and stated: 'A court is only necessary if the individuals addressed in this song show up with their national ID and file a complaint, and I don't understand what this has to do with the judiciary and intelligence.' A 'diss track' is a song that verbally attacks another rapper. In 'Typhus', Mr. Salehi describes government-affiliated rappers as 'loudmouths', 'blood merchants', 'bootlickers', 'slaves of the regime', and 'promoters of vice'. He also mentioned that he has been taken to court for every work he has released and questioned, 'Why should I be summoned again for the same accusation?' In his video message, Tomaaj Salehi stated: 'Every day you are imprisoned is a day of your life executed; your talent is wasted, the growth opportunities you had are lost, and the chance to live happily and be with your loved ones is gone. Every day you are imprisoned is a day of your life executed.' This protesting rapper added: 'I am willing to sacrifice all moments of my life for my compatriots. This court can be an excuse for me to say again that no one should be arrested, threatened, or subjected to psychological pressure for expressing their opinions. The existence of political prisoners in any country is a sign of the government's humiliation.' Previously, Nasir Mashkouri, a writer and music critic, had told Voice of America about the song 'Typhus': 'What Tomaaj expresses under the title of sellout rappers in this rap song naturally includes some rappers who have either come from within the regime and are affiliated with it, or others who, to achieve their goals of fame and income, or even to obtain permits, align themselves with factions affiliated with the regime. In any case, these regime-affiliated rappers have always existed and have not been few.' This music critic described Tomaaj Salehi as 'a civil activist and a revolutionary' who was active even before the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement. Tomaaj Salehi was arrested and imprisoned by the Islamic Republic's security forces in early November 2022 in connection with nationwide protests over the death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police. This protesting rapper was released on bail a year later but was re-arrested a few days later and sent to Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. Ultimately, Tomaaj Salehi was tried on April 30 of this year in the first branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Court of Isfahan on charges of 'gathering and colluding, and aiding in rebellion' and was sentenced to death. The news of the death sentence for Tomaaj Salehi received widespread coverage in international media and sparked extensive reactions condemning the ruling among Western politicians. Mr. Salehi's death sentence was overturned on June 22 of this year by the Supreme Court, and he was released from prison on December 2 of this year.