Widespread Protests by Iranians and International Officials Against Death Sentences; Expatriates Return to the Streets

Three days after the announcement of the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi, an imprisoned Iranian rapper, protests by Iranians and international figures against this ruling have intensified, bringing expatriate Iranians back to the streets. On Saturday, April 27, 2024, thousands of Iranians gathered in various cities across Europe, including Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne, Stuttgart, Munich, and Hanover in Germany, as well as Stockholm and Malmö in Sweden, Copenhagen in Denmark, Prague, London, Paris, and many other cities, demanding the cancellation of death sentences issued by the Islamic Republic against protesters such as Tomaj Salehi, Mojahid Korkor, Reza Rasayi, and Abbas Daris. Protesters also called on European officials to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, shut down centers associated with the Islamic Republic, and cut diplomatic and economic relations with the regime. In the United States and Canada, Iranian expatriates and opponents of the Islamic Republic in cities like New York, San Francisco, Washington, and Montreal voiced their opposition to the death sentence in Iran and expressed solidarity with the freedom-seeking women of Iran in their struggle against the regime's repression. Internationally, Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor to the White House, condemned the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi and called for his immediate release, stating that Salehi's voice amplifies the hopes of the Iranian people and all those silenced by the Iranian regime. Michelle Taylor, the U.S. Ambassador to the UN Human Rights Council, also condemned the death sentence, asserting that Salehi's voice represents the aspirations of the Iranian people and those forced into silence by the regime. Empress Farah Pahlavi called on the United Nations and all human rights organizations to spare no effort in securing his release. Additionally, Amjad Amini, the father of Mahsa Amini, urged the Iranian judiciary to revoke Salehi's death sentence, emphasizing that he is a 'young man' who 'holds a place in the hearts of all Iranians for supporting his people.' Many artists and prominent figures have shared messages, including images or songs by Tomaj Salehi, on their social media accounts, calling for his freedom. Numerous activists and professional organizations have also condemned this ruling. A group of teachers' union activists in Alborz province issued a statement condemning the ruling, stating, 'The disgraceful record of the regime grows darker every day.' The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern on April 26, 2024, regarding the violent repression of Iranian women under the strict hijab laws and simultaneously called for the unconditional release of Tomaj Salehi, the imprisoned protest rapper. This body also demanded the release of all individuals imprisoned by the Islamic Republic for expressing their opinions, beliefs, and artistic expressions. Protests by groups of Iranians in San Francisco in support of Tomaj Salehi and against the repression of opponents of mandatory hijab continue, reflecting ongoing criticism in Iran and around the world regarding the death sentence for Salehi. In response to the death sentence, Molavi Abdolhamid stated, 'Do not kill people for speaking.' Empress Farah Pahlavi urged all human rights organizations to spare no effort in securing Salehi's release. Salehi's lawyers stated that no new developments have occurred in their client's case; he should have been pardoned last year. Protests by Iranians in several countries continue in support of Tomaj Salehi, demanding the abolition of death sentences. Amid ongoing reactions to the death sentence for Tomaj Salehi, his lawyer emphasized his acquittal from the charge of 'corruption on earth.' The Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers' Unions called for the cancellation of Tomaj Salehi's death sentence, and the Organization of Iranian Alliance Against Nuclear Iran demanded the regime release Salehi.