WANA (Dec 04) – Toomaj Salehi, a 33-year-old Iranian rapper, was released from prison on December 1, 2024, coinciding with his birthday, after completing his one-year sentence. Salehi was convicted in 2022 for “propaganda against the regime” following the release of his controversial song Rat Hole (Soorakh Moosh), which emerged during protests sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death.

 

Salehi’s release has garnered significant attention in Iran’s social and political spheres. Known for his sharp and critical lyrics, he has been a polarizing figure in Iranian music since his debut. Born in 1990 in Isfahan, Salehi became a prominent voice in the protests of 2022, with his works addressing social and political issues in Iran.

 

The song Rat Hole, a bold critique of Iran’s that time situation, became a focal point of tension between the rapper and Iranian judicial and security authorities. Released during the nationwide protests following Amini’s death, the song quickly gained symbolic status, similar to Shervin Hajipour’s Baraye.

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On social media, Toomaj Salehi reportedly threatened security agents, urging them to flee or surrender while calling on protesters to resort to violence to bring about change. Following the emergence of unrest, he allegedly assumed a leadership role among rioters and gained widespread support online.

 

Before his arrest, Salehi was accused of encouraging protesters to sabotage sensitive locations and harm law enforcement and security personnel. Some members of his family are alleged to have connections with the terrorist group Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK).

 

Salehi studied mechanical engineering with a focus on the design and production of industrial components at university. Before his arrest, he worked in a metal workshop. Due to the political content of some of his songs, many studios reportedly refused to record his work.

People’s Marching for Iran in Washington, DC Demand Toomaj Salehi’s Release. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Initial Arrest and Sentencing

Salehi was first arrested in September 2021 and, during the unrest of 2022, was detained again on charges of “propaganda against the regime.” He was subsequently sentenced to one year in prison. This arrest and sentencing, which drew strong reactions both domestically and internationally, became a pivotal moment in the wave of protests against Iranian authorities.

 

Conditional Release and Re-Arrest

In November 2023, after serving 13 months in prison, Toomaj Salehi was released on bail. However, his freedom lasted only 12 days. He was re-arrested after releasing a video in which he detailed the torture and harsh conditions he endured during his imprisonment. In the video, Salehi described both physical and psychological abuse, sparking widespread domestic and international controversy.

 

Following his re-arrest, a spokesperson for Iran’s judiciary expressed regret that individuals who benefit from Islamic clemency fail to reform. The spokesperson added that Salehi’s case remained under investigation and that he was being held in temporary detention.

Persian BBC Website Report. Social media/ WANA News Agency

New Convictions and the Threat of Execution

Salehi’s legal troubles escalated significantly as his case entered a new phase. He was once again tried on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and, in addition to a one-year prison sentence, was sentenced to two years of passport revocation and mandatory participation in “behavior management” courses. But this was not the end of his story.

 

In May 2024, Salehi faced new charges, including “acting against national security” and “collusion and assembly,” both far graver than his previous accusations and carrying the possibility of the death penalty. These developments provoked widespread concern domestically and intense reactions from the global community. Campaigns calling for Salehi’s release gained momentum, with the hashtag Toomaj Salehi trending internationally.

 

The death sentence handed down to Salehi became one of the most controversial verdicts issued by the courts, igniting widespread backlash on social media. After a month, however, Iran’s Supreme Court overturned the death sentence, reducing it to a one-year definitive prison term for “propaganda against the regime.”

On June 22, 2024, Amir Raisian, Toomaj Salehi’s lawyer, announced that his death sentence had been overturned. According to the Supreme Court ruling, the case was referred to a parallel branch for retrial. From that point on, no new death sentence was issued against him. After months of legal battles and widespread controversies, Salehi was finally released in December 2024.

 

Reactions and Aftermath

Salehi’s release sparked diverse reactions. Many political and civil activists expressed joy over his freedom and called for the release of other political prisoners. His release became a symbol of resistance against political repression, with many hailing it as a significant victory for human rights movements in Iran.

 

Controversies Surrounding Social Media and Connections with Opposing Groups

One of the major controversies surrounding Salehi involved the management of his social media accounts. Before his arrest, Salehi had entrusted his social media networks to administrators based outside of Iran, one of whom had a history of membership in the Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK) group.

 

This individual was responsible for publishing much of the content on his channels. This issue sparked intense debate both in domestic and international media, with rumors circulating about his alleged collaboration with anti-revolutionary forces against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Human Rights Foundation (HRF) Tweet Following Salehi’s Release. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Rumors of Torture and Health Condition

During Salehi’s detention, one of the most prominent rumors spread about him was that he had been physically tortured and possibly lost his eyesight due to blows to his head. Anti-regime media outlets published reports claiming that he had lost his vision from severe head injuries sustained in prison.

 

These rumors raised widespread concerns and sparked various reactions. However, after Salehi’s release and the release of new images showing him in good health, it became clear that these claims, much like the allegations regarding the hunger strike and leg injuries of activist Hossein Ronaghi in 2022, were completely false and baseless.

 

It is claimed that, during his time in prison, Salehi cooperated with Iran’s security officials in identifying some of the key figures involved in the 2022 protests. Since his recent release, no new images or public reactions from Salehi have been seen or heard.

IRANWIRE Report about Salehi’s Immediate Need for Treatment Following Rumors of Torture. Social media/ WANA News Agency