A controversial rapper, Toomaj Salehi, faced a death sentence in Iran for his outspoken views and support for protests. However, following global outcry, the Supreme Court has overturned the ruling and ordered a retrial for Salehi.
Salehi’s arrest in 2022 after criticizing the government and advocating for justice in the case of Mahsa Amini sparked international condemnation. Despite the initial death penalty verdict in April 2024, Salehi’s lawyer announced the reversal of the decision, citing a judicial error.
The court also deemed a previous prison sentence against Salehi as excessive. His detention was part of a broader crackdown on dissenters post-Amini protests, including journalists and activists. Salehi’s bold statements against the Iranian regime garnered attention, leading to his incarceration.
While celebrating the annulment of the death sentence, Salehi’s social media called for his immediate release, emphasizing that his imprisonment was unjust. The case highlights the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression and human rights in Iran.