Iranian Rapper Toomaj Salehi Sentenced to Death Over Music Criticizing Government
variety.comSharareh Drury Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi has been sentenced to death by an Iranian revolutionary court over songs that criticized the Iranian government, according to his lawyer and state media. “An order for the execution of Toomaj Salehi has been issued,” Salehi’s lawyer Amir Raesian tweeted Wednesday.
Salehi, 33, has been arrested multiple times by Iranian forces for criticizing the regime’s corruption and suppression of protests sparked by the death of Jina “Mahsa” Amini.
The 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman died while in the custody of morality police for allegedly wearing a loose headscarf. The Recording Academy released a statement Friday evening condemning Salehi’s sentencing: “The Recording Academy is deeply troubled by the recent news regarding Toomaj Salehi.
No artist anywhere should have to fear for their life or livelihood when expressing themselves through their art. Music is a powerful force for good in the world and is needed today more than ever.
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