US Responds to Tomaj Salehi's Prison Sentence: We Will Hold Iranian Officials Accountable

The spokesperson for the US State Department described the six-year prison sentence for Tomaj Salehi, a protest singer in Iran, as "disturbing" during a press conference on Monday. Matt Miller stated that the US "continues to monitor his situation." He noted that Tomaj Salehi has been consistently denied access to legal counsel and that his trial was held behind closed doors, following reports of "torture during detention and his urgent need for medical care." The US State Department called the regime's severe treatment of this case "deeply concerning" and stated that this manner of treatment must end. Miller said, "We urge Iranian officials to release him and all political prisoners." The spokesperson emphasized that the "world" is watching the actions of the Islamic Republic and that the US will continue to coordinate with its allies and partners to hold Iranian officials accountable for their human rights violations. A tweet from Tomaj Salehi's account, managed by his relatives, announced that the imprisoned singer has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison. Tomaj Salehi has been imprisoned since December 8 of last year, following widespread street protests over the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. Reports indicate that he was tortured and faced the death penalty. Eghbal Eghbali, Tomaj Salehi's uncle residing in Germany, reacted on July 10 to the six-year and three-month prison sentence, travel ban, and three-year prohibition on producing artistic works and singing imposed by the Islamic Revolutionary Court, stating to the Persian section of Voice of America that due to efforts made "from east to west of Iran" and "in all countries," "Tomaj came out of solitary confinement," although he received an "unjust and cruel sentence," which is a long-standing tradition of the Islamic government. Following the announcement of the sentence against Tomaj Salehi on charges of "corruption on earth," social media users labeled this ruling as "inhumane" and "illegal," demanding his unconditional release. Tomaj Salehi's uncle stated to Voice of America: We demand the release of all political prisoners and the abolition of the death penalty. Reactions to the prison sentence for Tomaj Salehi: He committed no crime and should be freed. 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.