Toomaj Salehi was arrested once more in Iran whereas fellow rapper Tataloo awaits execution, as the federal government intensifies its crackdown on outspoken Hip-Hop artists.
Rapper Toomaj Salehi, a controversial rapper from Iran, was arrested Thursday (June 19) by Iranian safety forces, marking the most recent transfer within the dictatorship’s widening crackdown on dissident voices in Hip-Hop and past.
His location and situation stay unknown, in accordance with his Representatives.
The 33-year-old rapper, recognized for his outspoken lyrics and political defiance, had been launched from jail in December after serving a one-year sentence.
That case had been closed, and all remaining prices had been dropped by the Isfahan Revolutionary Courtroom.
Toomaj Salehi had beforehand confronted a dying sentence for “corruption on Earth” earlier than being acquitted on enchantment.
Salehi’s re-arrest comes amid renewed strain on artists after protests that erupted behind the 2022 dying of Mahsa Amini in police custody.
He was first detained in October 2022 in Gerd Bisheh village throughout the top of these demonstrations.
His music, typically essential of Iran’s management, made him a goal for authorities. He has been repeatedly detained for his activism, each lyrical and civil.
In the meantime, one other high-profile artist is going through worse destiny.
Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo — higher generally known as Tataloo — has been sentenced to dying by an Iranian court docket for allegedly “insulting the Prophet Mohammed,” a cost of blasphemy.
The ruling got here after prosecutors appealed an earlier five-year sentence.
Tataloo, who as soon as aligned himself with Iran’s hardline politicians and supported the nation’s nuclear ambitions, had been residing in exile in Istanbul since 2018.
Turkish authorities detained him in December 2023 for visa violations and extradited him to Iran.
As soon as celebrated for his genre-blending music, Tataloo now faces execution. He has additionally been convicted of selling prostitution, spreading propaganda, and publishing obscene materials.
In whole, he obtained over a decade in jail earlier than the dying sentence was added.
The arrests and sentencing come as a battle between Israel and Iran escalated sharply on June 13 with direct army strikes and tons of injured, elevating fears of a broader regional battle.
Israel has vowed to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities and Tehran has retaliated with missile assaults on civilian infrastructure.
President Donald Trump introduced the USA into the battle, after ordering the bombing of three nuclear amenities in Iran on Saturday (June 21).
America launched “Operation Hammer” in coordination with Israel, citing Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a menace to each nations
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