The international community is deeply shaken by the death penalty sentence imposed on renowned Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi, sparking widespread concern and condemnation from various quarters.
UN experts, French authorities, and human rights defenders have expressed profound dismay over the controversial legal decision to sentence Toomaj Salehi, a 33-year-old artist known for his activism and poignant music, to death. His arrest in October 2022, stemming from his support for the protest movement following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in Iran, has made him a symbol of resistance in the country.
Independent UN experts have strongly criticized Salehi’s sentence, asserting that artistic expression must be allowed to challenge societal norms without fear of persecution. They view Salehi’s death penalty not only as a violation of his artistic freedom but also as an assault on fundamental cultural rights.
The French Foreign Ministry has joined the chorus of disapproval, labeling the decision “unacceptable” and denouncing a series of death sentences and arbitrary executions linked to the 2022 protests in Iran. France asserts that such repressive actions do not align with the Iranian people’s legitimate aspirations for freedom and justice.
Reports from the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) suggest that Toomaj Salehi endured severe torture upon his arrest, necessitating urgent medical intervention. Allegations of mistreatment and lack of medical care have heightened concerns for Salehi’s well-being in detention.
UN experts have decried an escalating pattern of arresting and detaining artists, activists, and journalists on charges like spreading false information or anti-state propaganda. They advocate for upholding the rights to freedom of expression and artistic liberty, vital components of any democratic society.
Toomaj Salehi’s death sentence signals broader issues surrounding freedom of expression, cultural rights, and justice in Iran. Beyond Salehi’s individual plight, it symbolizes the challenges facing Iranian civil society concerning the respect for fundamental rights and democratic freedoms. The global outcry over this case underscores the imperative to uphold universal values of human dignity and justice for all.