Tomaj Salehi, the Protest Singer, Released from Prison

The public relations office of the Isfahan judiciary announced that Tomaj Salehi, the protest singer, was released from prison on Sunday, December 2, 2024, after serving his sentence. According to the Mizan news agency, the media outlet of the Islamic Republic's judiciary, Tomaj Salehi was sentenced to one year in prison for what was termed 'propaganda against the regime.' Tomaj Salehi was arrested and imprisoned by government 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 protest rapper was released on bail a year later, but was re-arrested a few days later and sent to Dastgerd prison in Isfahan. Ultimately, on April 18 of this year, Tomaj Salehi was tried in the first branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Court of Isfahan on charges of 'gathering and collusion, and complicity in rebellion' and was sentenced to death. The news of the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi received widespread coverage in international media and sparked numerous reactions condemning the issued verdict. His lawyer stated last Tuesday that the case from 2022 against Tomaj Salehi was closed with the issuance of a 'suspension of prosecution' and that the end of his prison term would likely be announced soon. Mostafa Nili told Shargh Network on December 5 that his client's case was sent to the fifth branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Court of Isfahan after the previous ruling was overturned by the Supreme Court. According to this lawyer, this branch decided on Sunday, December 4, 'regarding the remaining charges against Mr. Salehi from the case related to the 2022 protests.' Tomaj Salehi was one of four political prisoners in Iran for whom Kianoush Sanjari, a journalist, former Voice of America colleague, and political activist, had called for their release. The closure of one of Tomaj Salehi's cases and the possibility of his release comes after 700 days of uncertainty in prison. The Vaclav Havel Foundation award will be presented to Tomaj Salehi. A U.S. Congress representative has called for medical attention for Tomaj Salehi and his release. Tomaj Salehi's social media page states: judicial authorities should end his silent torture.