Iranian rapper sentenced to 6 years in prison for Mahsa Amini protests
TEHRAN, Iran – An Iranian court has sentenced rapper Toomaj Salehi to 6 years in prison for participating in protests and criticizing the government.
Salehi had been arrested last October after taking part in protests that erupted in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini.
The 22-year-old Amini woman had died in police custody.
The protests quickly spread throughout the country and became calls for the overthrow of Iran’s rulers.
Salehi had been critical of the government in his songs and music videos.
In one song, he rapped about Amini’s death, saying her crime was dancing with her hair in the wind.
In another song, he appeared to predict the downfall of Iran’s theocracy.
After his arrest, state media released a video showing him blindfolded and apologizing for his words.
According to human rights organizations, Iran routinely tortures prisoners into making false confessions.
Salehi’s supporters had feared he could face the death penalty.
He was also barred from leaving Iran for two years.
Iran has executed a total of seven people in connection with the protests.
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