Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi has been released from prison, marking a significant moment following the overturning of his death sentence by Iran’s Supreme Court in June. Salehi’s release from Dastgerd Prison occurred on December 1, after he completed a one-year sentence for his outspoken criticism against the Iranian regime, as reported by the Iranian judiciary’s Mizan news agency.
In an emotional Instagram post shared earlier today, Salehi expressed his relief and gratitude upon his release. The translated caption read: “Salehi, son of Iran, was released from Dastgerd Prison today, after enduring 753 days of cruel, unjust, and unwarranted re-imprisonment without any tangible reasons or documented legal justification.”
Salehi’s journey into the spotlight began when he was arrested in October 2022 for publicly supporting widespread demonstrations triggered by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini. Amini died while in custody of the morality police after being detained for wearing her hijab in a manner deemed inappropriate. A subsequent United Nations fact-finding mission concluded in March that Amini’s death was unlawful, attributing it to “physical violence in the custody of state authorities.” The report also highlighted the ongoing systematic discrimination faced by women in Iran.
In a shocking turn of events, Salehi was sentenced to death in April for the capital offense of “corruption on earth.” He was also convicted of several other charges including “assistance in sedition, assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state, and inciting riots.” The protests sparked by Amini’s death resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives and the arrest of thousands.
Salehi is widely recognized for his protest songs that address pressing societal issues and critique the policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His notable works include tracks such as ‘Mouse Hole’, ‘Turkmenchay’, and ‘Pomegranate.’ One of his music videos released prior to his 2022 arrest featured poignant lyrics: “Someone’s crime was dancing with her hair in the wind / Someone’s crime was that he or she was brave and criticized… 44 years of your government / It’s the year of failure.”
The international community, including Amnesty International, condemned his trial as “grossly unfair,” highlighting allegations of torture that included electric shocks, death threats, and repeated beatings, resulting in severe injuries such as bone fractures and impaired vision.
Salehi’s death sentence drew widespread outrage from human rights organizations and prominent figures worldwide. More than 100 individuals from the cultural and entertainment sectors signed a petition advocating for his release. In a joint statement, Salehi’s cousin Arezou Eghbali Babadi and his friend Negin Niknaam emphasized: “The international community’s solidarity and support have played a crucial role in the release of Toomaj Salehi. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed in any way to this outcome.”
However, the statement also acknowledged ongoing issues, stating: “While we urge for Toomaj’s unconditional freedom and look forward to seeing him as soon as possible, we cannot forget the injustices we faced during this period.” It is a reminder that the oppressive environment in Iran continues to exert profound psychological pressure on those seeking freedom, their families, and society as a whole.
