In a recent development from Iran, reports indicate that a well-known rapper, Toomaj Salehi, has been sentenced to death by an Iranian court. Salehi, aged 33, had been detained for over a year and a half for his support of nationwide protests ignited by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini. Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman, died while in custody of the morality police in Tehran, allegedly for violating the country's strict dress code for women.
Salehi's troubles began in October 2022 when he openly expressed solidarity with the wave of demonstrations that swept across Iran following Amini's death. Despite initially receiving a sentence of six years and three months in prison, Salehi was released on bail in November 2023 due to flaws found in his initial conviction. However, his freedom was short-lived as he was rearrested less than two weeks later.
The Revolutionary Court subsequently levied additional charges against Salehi, including allegations of inciting sedition, participating in unauthorized gatherings, spreading anti-government propaganda, and encouraging riots. In a startling turn of events, the court sentenced Salehi to death for "corruption on Earth," a charge that carries grave consequences.
The judiciary's decision to defy the Supreme Court's previous ruling and impose the death penalty underscores the severity of the situation. Salehi's lawyer, Amir Raisian, has vowed to appeal against the sentence, citing the court's unprecedented move and emphasizing the need for justice to prevail.
The unrest triggered by Amini's death in September 2022 resulted in widespread violence, with hundreds of casualties and thousands of arrests reported. Iranian authorities have characterized the protests as riots orchestrated by foreign adversaries, leading to a harsh crackdown on dissent.
Despite initial signs of relaxation in enforcing the dress code following Amini's death, recent reports indicate a resurgence in policing women's attire. The police have launched a new campaign, codenamed "Noor" (meaning light), aimed at enforcing strict adherence to the hijab laws. This crackdown has led to the closure of cafes and restaurants deemed non-compliant with the dress code, signaling a return to stringent enforcement measures.
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