Fatshimetrie – Art and Freedom: Iranian rapper and activist Toomaj Salehi is finally free after 753 days in Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. This long-awaited release, announced by his international legal team, marks a happy ending for Salehi, who was arrested in October 2022 for his support of the Women’s Freedom protests, following the tragic death of Mahsa Jhina Amini.
Through his music and social media posts, Salehi has consistently spoken out against the repressive Iranian regime. His committed lyrics and call for protest during the Women’s Freedom protests have made him a voice of dissent, denouncing the injustices perpetrated by the government.
Despite attempts by Iranian authorities to silence him, Salehi has continued to fight for human rights in Iran. His arrest, torture in custody, and subsequent death sentence sparked global outrage, leading to US sanctions against those responsible for human rights violations in Iran.
Salehi’s release is the result of an unprecedented international mobilization, with the support of leading law firms and human rights organizations. However, despite this victory, the fight for justice and freedom in Iran is far from over.
The tragic disappearance of Iranian journalist and activist Kianoosh Sanjari, who took his own life demanding the release of his fellow activists, is a reminder of the regime’s cruelty and the need for constant vigilance to protect human rights defenders in Iran.
As Toomaj Salehi reunites with his family and loved ones, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and ensure that he is never subjected to persecution again. His release is a victory, but it should also serve as a reminder to all human rights defenders, in Iran and around the world, that the fight for freedom and justice is a constant struggle.
In these uncertain times, Toomaj Salehi’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination of dissenting voices to be heard, despite oppression and threats. Through his fight for freedom, Salehi embodies the hope for a better future for all Iranians and for all those fighting for human dignity and justice around the world.