Toomaj Salehi, an Iranian rapper whose death sentence was overturned in June, is still facing new charges and remains in prison. Initially arrested in October 2022 for supporting demonstrations triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, Salehi was sentenced to death for “corruption on earth” before the ruling was overturned. Despite a recent court decision to halt the prosecution, Salehi is unable to be released due to new accusations related to one of his songs.
The nationwide protests following Amini’s death led to hundreds of casualties and thousands of arrests as authorities cracked down on dissent. Other individuals, such as singer Mehdi Yarrahi, have also faced consequences for speaking out against government policies, with Yarrahi receiving a prison sentence later changed to home confinement due to health issues.
The situation in Iran highlights the ongoing challenges faced by those who speak out against the government and the heavy-handed response to dissent. Salehi’s case, along with the broader crackdown on protesters and journalists, underscores the importance of upholding human rights and freedom of expression in the country.