Official statements from the Iranian government or credible news outlets

Iranian Rapper Toomaj Salehi Freed After Overturned Death Sentence, Serving Two Years for Protest Support

Dec 2, 2024, 09:15 AM

Iranian rapper and dissident Toomaj Salehi has been released from prison after serving over two years of incarceration, including a one-year sentence for 'propaganda against the system,' as announced by Iran's Judiciary on Sunday. Salehi, who became a prominent voice during the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, was arrested in October 2022 for his support of the demonstrations and his sharp criticism of the Islamic Republic through his music. Initially sentenced to death in April 2024, his sentence was overturned in June. Reports indicate that he was tortured during his imprisonment. His release from prison in Isfahan comes a day before his 34th birthday, marking the end of 754 days of incarceration that drew international attention and condemnation.