Current:Home > MarketsIranian rapper Toomaj Salehi sentenced to death for backing protests-LoTradeCoin
Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi sentenced to death for backing protests
View Date:2024-12-24 00:37:20
An Iranian court has sentenced a dissident rapper to death, drawing criticism from United Nations human rights officials. The rapper has been jailed for more than a year and a half for supporting protests sparked by the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini.
"Branch 1 of Isfahan Revolutionary Court... sentenced Toomaj Salehi to death on the charge of corruption on Earth," said the artist's lawyer, Amir Raisian, according to the reformist Shargh newspaper. State media said Thursday that Iran's judiciary confirmed the death sentence but added that he is entitled to a sentence reduction, Reuters reported.
Salehi, 33, was arrested in October 2022 after publicly backing the wave of demonstrations which erupted a month earlier, triggered by the death in custody of 22-year-old Amini, an Iranian Kurd who had been detained over an alleged breach of the Islamic republic's strict dress rules for women. Months of unrest following Amini's death in September 2022 saw hundreds of people killed including dozens of security personnel, and thousands more arrested. Iranian officials labelled the protests "riots" and accused Tehran's foreign foes of fomenting the unrest.
The Revolutionary Court had accused Salehi of "assistance in sedition, assembly and collusion, propaganda against the system and calling for riots," Raisian said.
U.N. human rights officials issued a statement Thursday demanding Salehi's immediate release and urging Iranian authorities to reverse the sentence.
"Criticism of government policy, including through artistic expression is protected under the rights to freedom of expression and the right to take part in cultural life. It must not be criminalised," the statement said. "...We are alarmed by the imposition of the death sentence and the alleged ill-treatment of Mr. Salehi which appears to be related solely to the exercise of his right to freedom of artistic expression and creativity."
The nation's Supreme Court had reviewed the case and issued a ruling to the lower court to "remove the flaws in the sentence," Raisian said. However, the court had "in an unprecedented move, emphasised its independence and did not implement the Supreme Court's ruling," according to Raisian.
Raisian said that he and Salehi "will certainly appeal against the sentence."
"The fact is that the verdict of the court has clear legal conflicts," the lawyer was quoted as saying. "The contradiction with the ruling of the Supreme Court is considered the most important and at the same time the strangest part of this ruling."
Nine men have been executed in protest-related cases involving killing and other violence against security forces.
–Roxana Saberi contributed reporting.
- In:
- Iran
veryGood! (45218)
Related
- What that 'Disclaimer' twist says about the misogyny in all of us
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Crack Open
- Spain clinches record 4th European Championship title, beating England 2-1
- In NBC interview, Biden says he shouldn't have said bullseye when referring to Trump, but says former president is the one engaged in dangerous rhetoric
- Unexpected pairing: New documentary tells a heartwarming story between Vietnam enemies
- Natalie Portman got an ego boost from Rihanna post-Benjamin Millepied divorce
- Will Ferrell Shares the Criticism He Got From Elf Costar James Caan
- YouTuber Billy LeBlanc's Girlfriend Natalie Clark Dies From Bacterial Infection After Eating Raw Oysters
- Will the NBA Cup become a treasured tradition? League hopes so, but it’s too soon to tell
- Police announce Copa America arrest totals after fans stampede, breach security
Ranking
- Trump ally Steve Bannon blasts ‘lawfare’ as he faces New York trial after federal prison stint
- Dodgers’ Hernández beats Royals’ Witt for HR Derby title, Alonso’s bid for 3rd win ends in 1st round
- Ugly Copa America scenes put pressure on FIFA, U.S. stadiums to ensure safe World Cup 2026
- Gareth Southgate resigns as England manager after Euro 2024 final loss
- Chris Wallace will leave CNN 3 years after defecting from 'Fox News Sunday'
- Republican convention focuses on immigration a day after a bandaged Trump makes triumphant entrance
- Hall of Fame RB Terrell Davis says he was placed in handcuffs on United Airlines flight
- How Good are Re-Planted Mangroves at Storing Carbon? A New Study Puts a Number on It
Recommendation
-
The 10 Best Cashmere Sweaters and Tops That Feel Luxuriously Soft and Are *Most Importantly* Affordable
-
Texas set to execute Ruben Gutierrez in retired teacher's death on Tuesday. What to know.
-
Texas man who's sought DNA testing to prove his innocence slated for execution in 1998 stabbing death of woman, 85
-
New spacesuit is 'Dune'-inspired and could recycle urine into water
-
Atmospheric river to bring heavy snow, rain to Northwest this week
-
'Red-blooded American' Paul Skenes makes Air Force proud at MLB All-Star Game
-
Prime Day 2024 Deal: Save 30% on Laneige Products Used by Sydney Sweeney, Alix Earle, Hannah Brown & More
-
In NBC interview, Biden says he shouldn't have said bullseye when referring to Trump, but says former president is the one engaged in dangerous rhetoric