US State Department Calls for Immediate Release of 'All Political Prisoners' in Iran

The United States Department of State described the six-year and three-month prison sentence for Tomaj Salehi as 'unjust' and a 'worrisome reflection of the Iranian regime's ongoing efforts to suppress and intimidate those who have the courage to express dissent.' On Tuesday, July 9, the US State Department's Twitter account condemned the Islamic Revolutionary Court's ruling against Tomaj Salehi, noting his detention in 'solitary confinement for 252 days' and the 'torture he faced during arrest and the closed trial' as indicative of 'clear human rights violations.' The official tweet stated: 'The unjust treatment that Tomaj Salehi endured is a concerning reflection of the Iranian regime's ongoing efforts to suppress and intimidate those who have the courage to express dissent.' The US State Department also referred to the 'six-year and three-month prison sentence for Tomaj Salehi' as 'another example of the regime's ongoing repression aimed at silencing any dissent and stifling the voices of the Iranian people,' emphasizing that 'the Iranian regime must listen to its citizens and respect their fundamental rights.' It was highlighted: 'We demand the immediate release of Tomaj Salehi and all political prisoners unjustly detained.' Following the ruling of six years and three months in prison, a travel ban, and a three-year prohibition on producing artistic works and singing for Tomaj Salehi, his uncle, Iqbal Iqbali, told the Persian section of Voice of America on Monday, July 8, that during 'eight months' of solitary confinement, he was 'tortured to the brink of death,' resulting in the loss of vision in one eye, broken ribs and fingers, and he is still not allowed to visit a hospital or be cared for by his family.