Music icons rally for imprisoned Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi's release
Over 100 influential figures from the music, culture, and human rights activism sectors have united in a call for the release of Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi. Among these advocates are the globally renowned band Coldplay and artist Sting. Salehi, a 33-year-old artist known for his vocal support of women's rights in Iran, was sentenced to death by an Isfahan court on April 24.
Why does this story matter?
Salehi was first arrested in September 2022, spending over a year in prison, including 252 days in solitary confinement. After his release on bail, he reported experiencing severe torture during his incarceration. However, two weeks post-release in December 2023, he was re-arrested and charged with "corruption on Earth." His music has been a platform for voicing support for protests sparked by the death of Jina "Mahsa" Amini, an Iranian Kurdish woman who infamously died in police custody.
Demand is for 'death sentence to be immediately, unconditionally quashed'
The plea for Salehi's release was orchestrated by advocacy group Index on Censorship and is supported by figures such as Jade Thirlwall of Little Mix, DJ Rob Da Bank, author Margaret Atwood, and singer-composer Roshi Nasehi. The statement reads: "As artists, musicians, writers and leading cultural figures we stand in solidarity with (Salehi). We call for his death sentence to be immediately and unconditionally quashed and for him to be released from detention without delay, with all other charges dismissed."
Salehi's music: A voice for protests and rights
Salehi has used his music to criticize the Iranian regime, expose corruption, and advocate for improved rights for workers and women. His protest tracks like Mouse Hole, Turkmenchay, and Pomegranate are worth noting. London-based composer Tamara Barschak, who signed the petition, urged increased awareness within the music industry about Salehi's case. "The fact that this poor musician is under threat of execution for expressing his beliefs is horrible. Everyone should be talking about this," the pianist told The Guardian.
International support for Salehi's release grows
Elli Brazzill from UK-based campaign group Art Not Evidence, another signatory of the statement, described the death sentence for making music as a "terrifying step." Jemimah Steinfeld, chief executive at Index on Censorship, praised the widespread support for Salehi's release. "Toomaj is brave and brilliant and it's incredibly humbling, to say the least, to see people unite behind him in the way that they have...Iran must adhere to its international human rights commitments."
