Iranian Rapper Toomaj Salehi Released After Overturned Death Sentence

Salehi, imprisoned for supporting protests against Iran's regime, was freed after serving a reduced sentence following international pressure.

Toomaj Salehi, a prominent Iranian rapper and activist, was released from prison on December 1, 2024, after serving a one-year sentence for propaganda against the state.
Salehi was initially sentenced to death in April 2024 for charges including 'corruption on Earth,' but Iran's Supreme Court overturned the verdict in June following widespread international condemnation.
The rapper became a symbol of resistance after supporting the 2022 'Woman, Life, Freedom' protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody.
During his imprisonment, Salehi reported being subjected to torture, including beatings and solitary confinement, which drew attention from human rights organizations and global figures.
While his release is celebrated, advocates caution that systemic oppression in Iran persists, and Salehi's safety and freedom remain concerns.