Dissident Iranian Rapper's Life At Risk In Prison
Iranian dissident rapper Toomaj Salehi's life is “at risk” in prison and he may be a “target for assassination”, according to his social media account.
Iranian dissident rapper Toomaj Salehi's life is “at risk” in prison and he may be a “target for assassination”, according to his social media account.
Salehi's official account on X reported on Friday afternoon that he is being kept in an area in Esfahan Prison where criminals, including those facing charges for dangerous crimes, are being held without following the principle of “segregation of criminals” by type of crime.
"Intentionally" and "with a prior conspiracy", physical clashes between inmates have occurred in the past few days, the social media account reported. A tense and stressful environment has been created to subject Toomaj to psychological torture and possibly murder plans, the account added.
Salehi, 33, was rearrested on November 30 less than two weeks after he was released on bail following his detention for supporting the nationwide protests last year. It was reported that the recent arrest had involved severe physical abuse, with officers purportedly using pistols and AK-47 rifles butts.
According to Mizanonline, an a website affiliated with Iran's notorious Judiciary, Salehi was rearrested for “spreading lies and the agitating public opinion.”
Salehi gained fame for his protest songs which addressed social issues and government injustices in Iran. His initial arrest, which involved more than a year of incarceration, including 252 days in solitary confinement, was part of a wider crackdown on political opponents following Mahsa Amini's death in morality police custody.
In October Toomaj Salehi was awarded the 2023 Arts Freedom of Expression Award by Index on Censorship, an organization promoting free expression.
