Tomaj Salehi, Imprisoned Singer, Wins Index on Censorship Award

Tomaj Salehi, a jailed rapper supporting protesters, has been named the annual Freedom of Expression Award winner in the arts category by the organization 'Index on Censorship'. This NGO advocating for freedom of expression described Salehi's artistic efforts in support of Iranian protesters following the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini in the custody of the morality police as 'inspirational'. Based in London, 'Index on Censorship' introduced this protesting rapper as an artist who was arrested and sentenced last year amid protests for 'singing about the injustices and oppression of the Iranian government against civil society'. Arzu Babadi, a relative of Tomaj Salehi, who received the Index award on behalf of the imprisoned artist, described the award as a recognition of Tomaj Salehi's 'views and path'. In a message on this occasion, Babadi considered the Index award a significant support for all those for whom Tomaj has fought. She urged everyone to be the voice of Tomaj with all their might and to pressure the 'regime' of Iran to demand the release of this imprisoned artist. This imprisoned artist was also recognized earlier this year by the 'Global Music Awards' as the winner of the 'Heretic' award. Tomaj Salehi, who has reportedly been tortured since his arrest on October 30, 2022, is currently serving a sentence of six years and three months in prison. Parastoo Fatemi: Tomaj Salehi is subjected to additional torture in prison due to lack of medical treatment. Concerns have risen following the denial of his lawyer's statements and revelations about his conditions in prison. Tomaj Salehi denied his lawyer's statements in a message from prison; after six months of pain, a doctor was brought in. Reports about 'brutal tortures' of Tomaj Salehi and his need for 'immediate medical attention' have surfaced.