Tag: Toomaj Salehi

Toomaj Salehi Released from Prison After Serving Sentence

Posted on by . .
News, Prisoners
Amir Raisian, Isfahan, Mostafa Nili, Toomaj Salehi, توماج صالحی

The public relations office of Isfahan’s Judiciary has announced that Toomaj Salehi, a protest rapper, was released from prison on Sunday, December 1, 2024, after completing a one-year sentence for “propaganda against the regime.”

The Judiciary’s media center, citing the Isfahan Judiciary’s public relations office, confirmed that Mr. Salehi’s release marked the end of his imprisonment on these charges.

Recently, Mostafa Nili, one of Salehi’s lawyers, revealed that Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan had closed his 2022 case, issuing a decision to discontinue prosecution.

Earlier, another of Salehi’s lawyers, Amir Raisian, had disclosed that the same court had dismissed the charge of “spreading corruption on earth” (efsad-e-fel-arz), which had initially resulted in a death sentence, and instead acquitted him of that charge.

In April of this year, Salehi was sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan on the charge of “corruption on earth.” However, following an appeal, Branch 39 of the Supreme Court overturned the death sentence in early July and referred the case to Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court for further review.

Salehi’s release concludes a complex legal ordeal that included facing and ultimately overcoming charges that carried the death penalty.

Salehi was arrested in late October 2022 in connection with the nationwide protests by security forces. Official news agencies claimed that he was attempting to illegally leave the country through the western borders, a claim denied by his associates. In July last year, he was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan to six years and three months in prison, a travel ban, a ban on producing music and singing, and two years of mandatory behavior management and skills training. After this sentence was overturned by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court, he was released on bail on November 18, 2023.

Nevertheless, Salehi’s freedom was short-lived as he was re-arrested in Babol on November 30, just twelve days after being bailed out from Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. The Judiciary spokesperson cited Salehi’s post-release statement as grounds for this subsequent arrest.

In January of 2024, in another part of his case, the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan sentenced him to one year in prison, two years of passport invalidation, and participation in behavior management courses on the charge of ‘propaganda against the regime.’ This sentence was upheld by the Isfahan Provincial Court of Appeals in late February. Late last year, Branch 117 of Criminal Court 2 in Isfahan acquitted him of the charges of ‘spreading falsehoods’ and ‘inciting violence.’

Toomaj Salehi, a protest rapper from Shahin Shahr, Isfahan, had previously been sentenced to six months in prison and a fine in 2021 for ‘insulting the Supreme Leader’ and ‘propaganda against the regime.’

Khashayar Sefidi Transferred to Evin Prison to Serve Sentence

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News, Students
Evin Prison, Khashayar Sefidi, Toomaj Salehi, خشایار سفیدی

On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Khashayar Sefidi, an expelled graduate student from Tehran University of Art, was transferred to Evin Prison to serve a one-year prison sentence.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Mr. Sefidi, 32 years old, was detained after reporting to the Sentences Enforcement Branch of the Shahre Qods Prosecutor’s Office.

The Revolutionary Court had sentenced Mr. Sefidi to one year in prison on July 2, 2024, on charges of “propaganda against the Islamic Republic.” This conviction stemmed from a three-day sit-in protest he staged in solidarity with imprisoned artist Toomaj Salehi at the House of Music.

Earlier this year, Mr. Sefidi was expelled from Tehran University of Art, where he had been pursuing a master’s degree in music. Prior to his expulsion, the university’s disciplinary committee had suspended him for one term.

Motahareh Goonehi’s One-Year Prison Sentence Upheld on Appeal

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, IRGC Intelligence, Motahareh Goonehi, Tehran Court of Appeals, Toomaj Salehi

Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals has upheld the one-year prison sentence for Motahareh Goonehi, a suspended student from Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court had initially handed down the sentence.

The charges stem from Gonei’s protest against the death sentence of Toomaj Salehi and her public comments regarding the “murder and assault” of Nika Shakarami. The Court of Appeals convicted her of “propaganda against the regime in favor of anti-revolutionary media.”

Goonehi was arrested by IRGC intelligence forces on May 1, 2023, and transferred to Evin Prison. She was released on bail four days later. Earlier, she and her husband, Mehdi Hadizadeh, both students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, had been temporarily suspended and transferred to Ardabil University. More recently, Goonehi was expelled from Tehran University, and her academic file was forwarded to Ardabil University.

A dentistry student and activist, Goonehi had previously been arrested during the 2022 nationwide protests.

Protest Rapper Toomaj Salehi Acquitted of Charges

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Babol, Isfahan, Protest Rapper, revolutionary court, Toomaj Salehi, توماج صالحی

After a retrial of Toomaj Salehi’s case, Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan acquitted him of the charges brought against him.

Amir Raisian, Mr. Salehi’s lawyer, stated: “Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan, in the 2022 case against Toomaj Salehi, has issued an acquittal on the charge of ‘ spreading corruption on earth,’ which previously carried a death sentence. For the other charges, the court issued a temporary stay of prosecution. Additionally, the court referred the charges of ‘spreading falsehoods online’ and ‘disturbing public order’ to Criminal Court 2 due to lack of jurisdiction.”

In April of this year, Salehi had been sentenced to death by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan on the charge of ‘spreading corruption on earth,’ but this sentence was overturned in early July by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court, and the case was sent to Branch 5 of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan.

He was arrested in late October 2022 in connection with the nationwide protests by security forces. Official news agencies claimed that he was attempting to illegally leave the country through the western borders, a claim denied by his associates. In July last year, he was sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan to six years and three months in prison, a travel ban, a ban on producing music and singing, and two years of mandatory behavior management and skills training. After this sentence was overturned by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court, he was released on bail on November 18, 2023.

Nevertheless, Salehi’s freedom was short-lived as he was re-arrested in Babol on November 30, just twelve days after being bailed out from Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. The Judiciary spokesperson cited Salehi’s post-release statement as grounds for this subsequent arrest.

In January of 2024, in another part of his case, the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan sentenced him to one year in prison, two years of passport invalidation, and participation in behavior management courses on the charge of ‘propaganda against the regime.’ This sentence was upheld by the Isfahan Provincial Court of Appeals in late February. Late last year, Branch 117 of Criminal Court 2 in Isfahan acquitted him of the charges of ‘spreading falsehoods’ and ‘inciting violence.’

Toomaj Salehi, a protest rapper from Shahin Shahr, Isfahan, had previously been sentenced to six months in prison and a fine in 2021 for ‘insulting the Supreme Leader’ and ‘propaganda against the regime.’

Motahareh Goonehi Sentenced to One Year in Prison

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Mahdi Hadizadeh, Motahareh Goonehi, Tehran, Toomaj Salehi, مطهره گونه ای

Motahareh Goonehi, a suspended student from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, has been sentenced to one year in prison by Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

The verdict, issued by Judge Ali Mazloum of Branch 29 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court and communicated to this citizen, sentences Ms. Goonehi to one year of imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda activities against the regime in favor of anti-regime media.” The basis for this charge includes Ms. Gonei’s protest against the death sentence of Toomaj Salehi and other writings of hers. She has been acquitted of the charges of “insulting the Supreme Leader” and “disturbing public order.”

On May 1, Goonehiwas arrested in Tehran by IRGC Intelligence forces following a summons and was transferred to Evin Prison. Four days later, she was released from Evin Prison on bail.

Previously, Ms. Goonehiand her husband, Mahdi Hadizadeh, both students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, were sentenced by the Central Committee of the Ministry of Health to temporary suspension from studies and transfer to Ardabil University of Medical Sciences.

Goonehi, a dentistry student and student activist, had previously been arrested by security forces in Tehran in connection with the nationwide protests of 2022.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Now is definitely not the time to stop reading!

Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentence Against Protest Rapper Toomaj Salehi

Posted on by . .
Executions, News
Amir Raisian, Isfahan, Toomaj Salehi

Amir Raisian, the lawyer for protest rapper Toomaj Salehi, announced that Branch 39 of the Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence against his client. The case will now be referred to another court branch for further review.

“In a precise verdict, the Supreme Court not only overturned the death sentence but also affirmed that even the previous sentence of six years and three months stands at odds with Article 131 and the rules of multiplicity of charges,” Raisian clarified.

In mid-May, Raisian announced the registration of his appeal to the Supreme Court, stating, “One day after this announcement about the initial verdict against my client, prison officials banned Salehi from making phone calls and even imposed restrictions on in-person visits.”

In April, the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan sentenced Salehi to death for “spreading corruption on earth.” At the time, Raisian commented on the ruling, stating, “Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court issued an unprecedented verdict by disregarding the Supreme Court’s resolution from 2022, labeling it as an ‘advisory verdict,’ and upheld the initial death sentence for ‘spreading corruption on earth.’”

Salehi’s legal saga began in late October 2022 when he was initially detained by security forces during nationwide protests. Subsequently, the Isfahan Revolutionary Court sentenced him to six years and three months in prison, among other penalties. However, he secured release on bail after the Supreme Court overturned the verdict.

Nevertheless, Salehi’s freedom was short-lived as he was re-arrested in Babol on November 30, just twelve days after being bailed out from Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. The Judiciary spokesperson cited Salehi’s post-release statement as grounds for this subsequent arrest.

It’s worth noting that Salehi has a prior conviction from January 12, 2022, where he received a six-month prison term and a fine, with the imprisonment suspended for one year.

Protest Rapper Toomaj Salehi Sentenced to Death

Posted on by . .
Executions, Freedom of Expression, News
Amir Raisian, Isfahan Revolutionary Court, Toomaj Salehi, امیر رئیسیان, توماج صالحی

The Revolutionary Court of Isfahan sentenced protest rapper Toomaj Salehi to death for “spreading corruption on earth,” according to Shargh Newspaper.

Salehi’s lawyer, Amir Raisian, commented on the ruling, stating, “Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court issued an unprecedented verdict by disregarding the Supreme Court’s resolution from 2022, labeling it as an ‘advisory verdict,’ and upheld the initial death sentence for ‘spreading corruption on earth.'”

Raisian explained that the Isfahan Revolutionary Court cited “assisting in armed rebellion (Baghi),” “propaganda against the regime,” and “inciting people to unrest” as per Article 512 of the Islamic Penal Code as grounds for the charge of “spreading corruption on earth.” The court emphasized the concept of widespread corruption, although Raisian argued that the evidence did not support the charge at the level required for the severest punishment.

In addition to the death sentence, the court imposed other penalties on Salehi, including a two-year travel ban, the annulment of his passport, and mandatory participation in behavior management and knowledge skills programs. The court also enforced a previously suspended sentence.

Raisian expressed his surprise at the “obvious conflict within the initial verdict and with the Supreme Court’s decision.” He also dismissed rumors of Salehi receiving amnesty or commutation, clarifying that the court only mentioned the potential for a one-degree reduction in punishment through the Amnesty Commission.

Salehi’s legal saga began in late October 2022 when he was initially detained by security forces during nationwide protests. Subsequently, the Isfahan Revolutionary Court sentenced him to six years and three months in prison, among other penalties. However, he secured release on bail after the Supreme Court overturned the verdict.

Nevertheless, Salehi’s freedom was short-lived as he was re-arrested in Babol on November 30, just twelve days after being bailed out from Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. The Judiciary spokesperson cited Salehi’s post-release statement as grounds for this subsequent arrest.

It’s worth noting that Salehi has a prior conviction from January 12, 2022, where he received a six-month prison term and a fine, with the imprisonment suspended for one year.

 

Protest Rapper Toomaj Salehi Acquitted of Disseminating False Information and Inciting Violence

Posted on by . .
News
Amir Raisian, Babol, Isfahan, Protest Rapper, Toomaj Salehi

Toomaj Salehi, the protest singer, has been acquitted by the Criminal Court of Isfahan of charges related to “disseminating false information” and “inciting people to violence.” His lawyer, Amir Raisian, confirmed this development, clarifying that these charges stemmed from a video Salehi published in November 2023.

Presently held in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan, Salehi faces a one-year prison sentence imposed by the Revolutionary Court for allegedly “spreading propaganda against the regime.” Alongside this verdict comes a two-year travel ban, revocation of his passport, and mandatory enrollment in behavior management and knowledge skills programs. This sentence was upheld on appeal.

Salehi’s legal saga began in late October 2022 when he was initially detained by security forces during nationwide protests. Subsequently, the Isfahan Revolutionary Court sentenced him to six years and three months in prison, among other penalties. However, he secured release on bail after the Supreme Court overturned the verdict.

Nevertheless, Salehi’s freedom was short-lived as he was re-arrested in Babol on November 30, just twelve days after being bailed out from Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. The Judiciary spokesperson cited Salehi’s post-release statement as grounds for this subsequent arrest.

It’s worth noting that Salehi has a prior conviction from January 12, 2022, where he received a six-month prison term and a fine, with the imprisonment suspended for one year.

Protest Rapper Toomaj Salehi’s One-Year Sentence Upheld on Appeal

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Amir Raisian, Iranian Rapper, Isfahan, Toomaj Salehi

The Appeals Court of Isfahan Province has upheld the one-year sentence for protest singer Toomaj Salehi, as reported by ILNA.

Amir Raisian, Salehi’s lawyer, revealed that the Court of Appeal dismissed their complaint against the initial verdict, rendering it final. Despite this setback, Raisian announced plans to pursue a retrial based on Article 477 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Salehi’s conviction for “propaganda against the regime” comes with additional consequences, including a two-year travel ban, the revocation of his passport, and mandatory participation in behavior management and knowledge skills programs.

Furthermore, Raisian clarified that this verdict is connected to a legal case initiated this year, stemming from the publication of a photo by Salehi.

He emphasized that Salehi faces an even greater challenge from a separate legal case dating back two years. On January 21, 2024, the Public and Revolutionary Courthouse of Isfahan indicted Salehi on multiple charges, including Baghi, an accusation of armed rebellion that carries the potential for severe punishment, including execution. In response, Raisian, expressed concerns about due process, labeling it as “unusual,” “illegal,” and “peculiar.” The Criminal Court has undertaken another part of this legal, adding more legal challenges to this protest rapper.

Protest Singer Toomaj Salehi Faces Charges of Armed Rebellion (Baghi)

Posted on by . .
Freedom of Expression, News
Amir Raisian, Baghi, Toomaj Salehi, توماج صالحی

On January 21, 2024, the Public and Revolutionary Courthouse of Isfahan indicted singer Toomaj Salehi on multiple charges, including Baghi, an accusation of armed rebellion that carries the potential for severe punishment, including execution.

Amir Raisian, Salehi’s lawyer, stated, “During the inquiry session, Salehi faced not only the charge for which he had already been acquitted, but he was also notified of two new charges not cited in the indictment, namely, assisting in Baghi (group armed rebellion against the regime) and assembly and collusion against national security. Firstly, the charge of assisting in Baghi appears inconsistent with the fact that there is no co-defendant whom Salehi is accused of assisting, let alone a group. Secondly, no weapons were discovered on Salehi, not even a knife, let alone a firearm.”

Earlier, Amir Raisian, Salehi’s lawyer, expressed concerns about the due process, labeling it as “unusual,” “illegal,” and “peculiar.” He stated, “Regarding the arrest case in October 2022, the Supreme Court has already overturned five charges, leaving only three remaining charges to be addressed. Consequently, the case was returned to the Revolutionary Court. The Court had also emphasized that the defendant could be included in a general pardon. However, after three months, the Revolutionary Court has introduced two new charges, bringing the total number of charges to ten.”

Salehi has also recently received a one-year sentence and additional punishment in another legal case.

Salehi was re-arrested in Babol on November 30, twelve days after his release on bail from Dastgerd Prison in Isfahan. The Judiciary spokesperson cited Salehi’s statement after his release as the grounds for this subsequent arrest.

In late October 2022, Salehi was initially detained by security forces during nationwide protests. Subsequently, the Isfahan Revolutionary Court sentenced him to six years and three months in prison along with additional penalties. However, he was released on bail after the Supreme Court overturned the verdict.

It is worth noting that the protest singer already has a prior conviction in a separate legal case. On January 12, 2022, he was sentenced to a six-month prison term and fined, with the imprisonment suspended for one year.