Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi 33-year old has been sentenced to death by an Iranian court for his support of anti-hijab protests. Salehi, who has been detained for over a year and a half, became involved in the protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, who died shortly after being arrested for wearing an “improper” hijab in 2022.
According to his attorney Amir Raisian, Salehi was charged with “corruption on Earth” by Branch 1 of Isfahan Revolutionary Court.
Salehi’s arrest in October 2022 came after he publicly backed the anti-hijab demonstrations. The Revolutionary Court accused him of various offenses including “assistance in sedition, assembly and collusion, propaganda against the system, and calling for riots.”
Despite a review by the Iranian Supreme Court, which ordered the lower court to address flaws in the sentence, the Revolutionary Court opted not to implement the ruling, asserting its independence.
Amidst these developments, Salehi’s attorney stated that Salehi intends to appeal against the death sentence. The case has drawn attention for its implications on freedom of expression and dissent in Iran, particularly regarding the enforcement of hijab regulations and the treatment of those who oppose them.
