Iran's Supreme Court has annulled the death sentence of rapper Toomaj Salehi, according to his lawyer. This ruling coincides with Iran's presidential election campaign but appears unrelated to the ongoing debates about the country's future, including women's rights to forgo the hijab.
Salehi’s lawyer, Amir Raisian, announced on social media that the Supreme Court had overturned the death sentence and ordered a retrial. In April, Salehi was sentenced to death on charges of "corruption on Earth" and other offenses like aiding sedition and propaganda against the state. He was initially arrested in October 2022 for supporting protests following Mahsa Amini's death in police custody.
Prominent Western celebrities had advocated for Salehi’s release. After spending over a year in prison, including 252 days in solitary confinement, Salehi reported being severely tortured. He was re-arrested in December 2023 on similar charges.
Despite the Supreme Court's decision, which acknowledged the need for clemency, Salehi may still face a lengthy prison sentence. Human rights organizations emphasize the importance of respecting Salehi's rights and call for his release.
Salehi's relatives and supporters expressed gratitude for international solidarity but highlighted the ongoing oppressive conditions in Iran. Salehi himself has previously criticized the Iranian regime, likening it to a mafia willing to oppress the nation to maintain power.
As Iran approaches its presidential elections, the campaign has been marked by intense disputes among candidates but little focus on the judicial treatment of dissidents. Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian faces an uphill battle against multiple conservative contenders, with debates centering on issues like poverty, the hijab, and Iran’s nuclear program.
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