Tomaj Salehi's Uncle to VOA: We Demand the Release of All Political Prisoners and the Abolition of the Death Penalty

Tomaj Salehi's uncle expressed gratitude to all those who raised their voices for this political prisoner "from Baluchistan to Tehran" and also to Iranians in exile around the world. He told VOA that the Islamic Republic has reached its end and that the "Women, Life, Freedom" revolution, led by women and youth, will prevail. Iqbal Iqbali, Tomaj Salehi's uncle residing in Germany, reacted on Monday, July 10, to the six years and three months prison sentence, travel ban, and three-year prohibition on artistic production and singing imposed on this protesting rapper by the Islamic Revolutionary Court. He stated that "due to efforts" made "from east to west Iran" and "in all countries," "Tomaj came out of solitary confinement," although he received an "unjust and cruel imprisonment," which is a long-standing tradition of the Islamic government. He also mentioned that Tomaj Salehi endured "eight months" of solitary confinement, stating that he was "tortured to the brink of death," losing the vision in one eye and suffering broken ribs and fingers, and he is still not allowed to visit the hospital or leave prison to be cared for by his family. Iqbali emphasized that the Islamic Republic has been "imprisoning the best children" of Iran for "44 years," eliminating the best and turning Iran into a slaughterhouse for dissenters, calling for the release of Tomaj Salehi and all political prisoners. He asserted that the rulings in the Islamic government have no basis in human rights, describing them as "inhumane and reactionary, based on the whims and animosities" of the Islamic Republic officials towards dissent in Iran. Iqbal Iqbali identified three key issues raised in the "Women, Life, Freedom" revolution: opposition to the death penalty and calls for the release of political prisoners, voluntary hijab and women's freedom, and a dignified life and decent livelihood for citizens. He stated, "Tomaj is not alone, and we demand the release of all political prisoners and the abolition of the barbaric death penalty in Iran." He also emphasized that "these values" are expanding day by day, thanks to the protesting youth, and that "we see that the rulers and their entire ideological apparatus are isolated and despised and must say goodbye to their rule." He added, "There is no doubt that the Islamic government has reached its end, and the Women, Life, Freedom revolution will prevail with the support of wise people and the leadership of women and the younger generation." Concurrently with the issuance of the six years and three months prison sentence and the travel ban and prohibition of artistic activities for Tomaj Salehi, over 150 political figures and organizations worldwide sent a letter to the President of the United States, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and the President of the European Union, urging them to use all available resources to ensure the "immediate and unconditional" release of this imprisoned artist in Iran. The letter, signed by several members of the European Parliament and representatives from various free countries including Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium, emphasized the "unjust and theatrical" nature of the court held for Tomaj Salehi and stated that this protesting rapper was tortured to obtain a forced confession. Yi Wan Ri, Tomaj Salehi's political guardian, also deemed the sentence issued for this political prisoner as "too much" and emphasized that "he has committed no crime and should be released." He also noted that the only positive aspect of this ruling is that he is now out of solitary confinement. After nine months of detention in solitary confinement, Tomaj Salehi was sentenced to six years in prison. Jamshid Asadi stated: "If any harm comes to Tomaj, the lifespan of the Islamic Republic will be shorter." Part of the program "Last Page" - Tomaj Salehi is labeled as "corrupt on earth" for his tweets! Reactions to the prison sentence for Tomaj Salehi: He has committed no crime and should be released. Acquitted of two charges and sentenced to six years and three months in prison for Tomaj Salehi. Protests in several cities around the world in support of Tomaj Salehi.