Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi, sentenced to death for supporting protests, has had his sentence overturned by the Supreme Court. Arrested in October 2022 for backing anti-government protests, Salehi’s lawyer confirmed the court ordered a retrial. Originally sentenced to six years and three months in prison in July 2023, Salehi faced new charges in January, resulting in a death penalty for “corruption on earth” in April.
Known for criticizing Iran’s leaders, Salehi expressed support for the 2022 protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, detained for her hijab. Salehi’s music and lyrics boldly confront corruption and crackdowns on dissent, leading to his outlawed concerts and social media presence.
The overturned sentence brings hope for Salehi, a symbol of resistance against oppression, as he waits for the upcoming retrial. His case sheds light on the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression in Iran, emphasizing the power of music as a tool for social change.