Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi, who was arrested during last year’s nationwide protests, has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison, his Twitter account managed by supporters announced Monday.
His lawyer, Rosa Etemad Ansari, told the Shargh newspaper that Salehi was sentenced over the charge of “corruption on Earth,” which is punishable by death.
Ansari said he was acquitted of the charges of "insulting the founder and leader of the Islamic Republic" and "collaboration with hostile governments."
The trial of Salehi was conducted behind closed doors and without media coverage. There has been a lack of information regarding the proceedings and the handling of his case in the media. There have also been allegations of torture and coerced confessions.
The U.S. State Department has consistently voiced deep concern regarding the "severe treatment by the regime" towards Salehi, urging Iran to put an end to such behavior.
Salehi was detained by Iranian authorities on October 30, 2022. His songs had denounced Iran's Islamist rulers and the perceived injustices perpetrated against the Iranian people.
Like thousands of other mostly young Iranians, Salehi embraced a widespread anti-government protest movement that began last September following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in custody of Iran’s morality police.
In the days before his arrest, he posted videos of himself on Instagram participating in peaceful street demonstrations and urging others to do the same.
