Iranian dissident rapper and activist Toomaj Salehi has been released from prison after spending 753 days in detention at Dastgerd prison in Isfahan. Salehi, 32, was arrested in October 2022 for supporting the Woman Life Freedom protests that arose following the death of Mahsa Jhina Amini, a young Kurdish-Iranian woman who died in police custody after being detained for wearing her headscarf improperly.
Salehi, known for his anti-government stance, used his music and social media platforms to criticize the repressive Iranian regime. During the protests, he actively called on Iranians to demonstrate against the government and shared videos of himself alongside fellow protesters.
Despite facing challenges, including torture and solitary confinement, Salehi continued to advocate for human rights in Iran. His case garnered international attention, with the United States imposing sanctions on Iranian officials over human rights abuses, including one overseeing the province where Salehi was allegedly tortured.
After being sentenced to death in April for 'spreading corruption on earth,' Salehi's sentence was overturned by Iran's Supreme Court in June. His release was celebrated by his family, legal team, and supporters worldwide, who had worked tirelessly to challenge his detention through appeals and complaints to the United Nations.
While Salehi's freedom is a cause for celebration, his supporters emphasize the need for continued vigilance to ensure his rights are protected. Political sponsors and advocates stress the importance of monitoring his safety and freedom, given the sudden nature of his release.
The return of Salehi to his family marks a moment of relief, but his supporters remain cautious, awaiting the resolution of all false accusations against him. The global community is urged to remain engaged to prevent any future violations of Salehi's rights and to safeguard his freedom.
