Tomaj Salehi Arrested by Armed Agents

Tomaj Salehi, a critic of the Iranian government and rapper, was arrested again by 'armed agents' less than two weeks after being released from prison, in a 'violent confrontation accompanied by beatings.' Salehi's account on X (formerly Twitter) announced on Thursday, December 9, that 'armed plainclothes agents of the government' had 'abducted and arrested' him. According to his account, the agents transferred him to 'an unknown location in Babolsar.' The message further stated that 'the responsibility for the life of this protesting rapper lies with the Islamic Republic.' In this context, the Mizan news agency, affiliated with the judiciary, accused Salehi of allegedly publishing 'some false and undocumented statements' in cyberspace and stated that he was arrested on charges of spreading lies and disturbing public opinion. Tomaj Salehi, a rapper critical of the Islamic Republic, had been arrested last year during nationwide protests in Iran and was released on bail from Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan on November 27. Masoud Setayesh, the spokesperson for the Islamic Republic's judiciary, announced on November 30 that Salehi's case 'is under review' and that he is currently free on 'bail.' This judicial official claimed that the 'higher authority's opinion' regarding Salehi's case was that the court should make 'another decision' regarding 'some charges.' Salehi's temporary release after more than a year in prison was welcomed by human rights organizations. Amnesty International expressed satisfaction on November 29 with Salehi's temporary release on bail and called for all charges against him to be dropped and for his 'unconditional' freedom. However, Yi-Wan Ri, a member of the German parliament and Salehi's political sponsor, warned a few days ago in an interview with Voice of America about the danger facing this protesting rapper. Arash Sobhani commented on Salehi's release: he is an artist who has spoken of the people's pain. Exclusive interview with Salehi's political sponsor: he is still in danger. Widespread reactions to Salehi's release; users heated up his hashtag. Amnesty International USA expressed satisfaction with Tomaj Salehi's temporary release; all charges against him must be dropped. Exclusive; a member of the German parliament and Salehi's political sponsor: Tomaj is still in danger. Violation of the ruling in the Supreme Court; Tomaj Salehi was released on bail.