Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi has been sentenced to death by an Iranian court for his involvement in supporting anti-hijab protests, according to his attorney Amir Raisian.
Salehi, who has been imprisoned for over a year and a half, was arrested in October 2022 after publicly backing the wave of demonstrations triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini. Amini passed away shortly after being arrested for wearing an “improper” hijab in 2022.
The Revolutionary Court accused Salehi of various charges, including “assistance in sedition, assembly and collusion, propaganda against the system, and inciting riots.” Despite the Iranian Supreme Court’s review of the case and instruction to address flaws in the sentence, the Revolutionary Court chose to uphold the death penalty, asserting its independence.
Raisian stated that Salehi intends to appeal against the sentence, highlighting the rapper’s determination to challenge the verdict.
Salehi’s case has garnered international attention, drawing condemnation from human rights organizations and activists worldwide. Many view his sentencing as a harsh crackdown on dissent and freedom of expression in Iran.