Iran Supreme Court overturns death sentence for government critic and hip-hop artist

The Supreme Court of Iran has made a significant decision regarding the case of Toomaj Salehi, a government critic and renowned hip-hop artist. The court has overturned the death sentence previously imposed on Salehi, who gained prominence for his music related to the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022. Salehi's lawyer, Amir Raisian, revealed this development on Saturday through a post on the social media platform X.

Basis of the Decision

Raisian stated that the court deemed Salehi's six-year imprisonment as "excessive," citing that it went beyond the bounds permitted by the law. Consequently, the case will undergo further review by another branch of the court. This decision comes after Salehi was sentenced to death in April by a Revolutionary Court in Isfahan, prompting international criticism and condemnation.

The news of Salehi's death sentence had sparked widespread international condemnation, with the United States and United Nations experts criticizing Tehran for its continuous crackdown on dissent following mass protests. In an expression of solidarity with the cause, protesters in New York City called on the United Nations to address the treatment of women in Iran, particularly in the aftermath of Mahsa Amini's tragic death while in the custody of the morality police.

Arrest and Charges

At 33 years old, Salehi was arrested in October 2022 for publicly supporting demonstrations that arose after Amini's death in custody. His supporters argue that the charges against him were primarily based on his music and active participation in the protests, including a rap that referenced Amini and expressed dissent against Iran's theocratic regime. The Revolutionary Court accused Salehi of several offenses, including "assistance in sedition, assembly and collusion, propaganda against the system, and calling for riots."

Repression and Subsequent Imprisonment

Following a brief release in November 2023, Salehi was rearrested after disclosing in a video message that he had been subjected to torture during his detention in 2022. State media released a video showing him blindfolded and apologizing for his statements, likely made under duress. Subsequently, in 2023, Salehi was handed a prison sentence of over six years, further fueling the outcry against the treatment of dissenting voices in Iran.

International Findings and Consequences

United Nations investigators have placed responsibility on Iran for Amini's death and have highlighted the violent suppression of largely peaceful protests, resulting in the deaths of over 500 individuals and the detention of more than 22,000 people. Additionally, nine men have been executed in cases related to protests, including charges of violence against security forces.

This controversial case has sparked debates and calls for reform, both within Iran and on the international stage, as the treatment of dissenting voices and the right to peaceful protest continue to be subjects of concern.