The Iranian Islamic revolutionary court has sentenced the well-known rapper Tumaj Salehi to three years in prison. Salehi, who gained popularity with his songs about the unrest in Iran, was accused of “participation in spreading corruption on earth,” a charge that carries the death penalty. However, despite the verdict of the revolutionary court, Salehi was released from prison in less than a year. His lawyer, Amira Raisian, criticized the trial as unfair, stating that the judiciary did not consider the actual evidence. These events occurred against the backdrop of protests and inhumane treatment in Iran, which began in September 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who was allegedly killed by state security forces.

The protests gained momentum following Amini’s death, with hundreds of people killed in clashes with authorities. The protesters were demanding justice for Amini and an end to the inhumane treatment by security forces. These demonstrations lasted for several months, during which numerous reporters were arrested and sentenced to death. The situation continued to escalate, leading to international concern and condemnation.

In October 2022, Tumaj Salehi was arrested amid these protests due to his support for the anti-government movement. He used his music to spread awareness about the unrest and express solidarity with the demonstrators. His arrest was seen as a clear attempt to stifle dissent and silence those who were critical of the government.

The rapper’s trial took place in the Iranian Islamic revolutionary court, known for its strict interpretation of the law and often criticized for its lack of transparency and fairness. Salehi was charged with “participation in spreading corruption on earth,” a severe offense in Iran that can carry the death penalty. However, despite the gravity of the accusations, Salehi was sentenced to three years in prison.

In 2023, less than a year after his conviction, Salehi was released from prison. This decision came as a surprise to many, as the revolutionary court had originally sentenced him to a much harsher punishment. The reasons behind Salehi’s early release remain unclear, leaving many questioning the role of political pressure or public outcry in influencing the outcome.

In April 2024, Salehi’s lawyer, Amira Raisian, revealed in an interview with Sharq newspaper that the first chamber of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran had sentenced the rapper to death, despite the decision of the Supreme Court. Raisian claimed that the trial against her client was unfair, with the judiciary failing to consider the actual evidence and disregarding the higher court’s ruling.

These developments highlight the ongoing issues of human rights violations and lack of due process in Iran. The case of Tumaj Salehi serves as a stark reminder that freedom of expression and dissent are heavily suppressed in the country, with even renowned artists facing severe consequences for speaking out against the government.

As the international community continues to condemn Iran’s actions, it is crucial to support the voices of those who are striving for justice and advocating for human rights. The protests that erupted in response to the inhumane treatment of Mahsa Amini and the subsequent arrest and sentencing of Tumaj Salehi are indicative of a larger struggle for freedom and democracy in Iran. It is essential to amplify these voices and call for accountability and change.