Dissident rapper, Toomaj Salehi, is arbitrarily detained in Esfahan central prison, Esfahan province, in relation to his peaceful activities, including participation in the “Woman Life Freedom” uprising and social media posts critical of the Iranian authorities. In June 2024, the Supreme Court overturned his conviction and death sentence, and sent the case to a lower court. He is also facing new spurious charges in separate proceedings solely for peacefully exercising of human rights, including freedom of expression through his music.
PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: November 30, 2024
take action:
- Write a letter in your own words or using the sample below as a guide to one or both government officials listed. You can also email, fax, call or Tweet them.
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contact information:
Head of judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei
c/o Embassy of Iran to the European Union,
Avenue Franklin Roosevelt No. 15, 1050
Bruxelles, Belgium
Supreme Leader ‘Ali Khamenei
c/o Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations
622 3rd Ave, 34th floor,
New York, NY 10017
Email: [email protected]
sample letter:
Dear Mr. Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei,
Rapper Toomaj Salehi, 33, is arbitrary detained in Esfahan central prison, Esfahan province, in relation to his participation and support of the “Woman Life Freedom” uprising, his music, publicly condemning Iranian authorities’ oppression and executions, and calling for human rights and freedom for people in Iran. On June 22, 2024, Toomaj Salehi’s lawyer posted on X [formerly Twitter] that that Branch 39 of the Supreme Court overturned Toomaj Salehi’s conviction and death sentence for “corruption on earth” (efsad fel arz). An informed source told Amnesty International that the case was referred to Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court of Esfahan by July 7, 2024, noting that the charges remained unknown. The source added that on July 10, 2024, intelligence agents interrogated Toomaj Salehi again without a lawyer present in relation to two new cases both solely stemming from his peaceful activities, including his new song released in March 2024 while imprisoned. He was charged in two cases the same day. If convicted, he faces prolonged imprisonment.
I call on you to immediately and unconditionally release Toomaj Salehi, as he is held solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights, and to drop all charges against him related to exercising his right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Pending his release, provide Toomaj Salehi with adequate healthcare and regular visits with his family and lawyers; and protect him from further torture and other ill-treatment. A prompt, independent, effective, and impartial investigations into his torture allegations must be conducted, with those suspected of criminal responsibility brought to justice in fair trials.
Yours sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
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