Now the popular actor could be hanged in public after a court charged him with “corruption in the world.” — A term authorities use to refer to a wide range of crimes that threaten social. And political well-being and carry the potential death penalty.
‘Not a place for justice’
At the heart of the protests, and Salehi’s lyrics, is the conviction that the government must go.
“Music can create violence,” he said. “I made a mistake, I apologize. I apologize to you and the community for any violence caused.”
More than 500,000 people have signed a petition calling for his release.
Hadi Ghaimi, executive director of the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran said. He felt no confidence that the country’s courts would find justice for those brought up for the protests. — Including high-profile prisoners like Salehi.
“These courtrooms are not places of justice. Because they do not involve any investigation. Due process or a defendant’s right to defend himself. And to independent counsel,” said the Iranian-born Ghaimi.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Or HRANA, estimated the number of arrests linked to the protests at more than 18,000. Iran’s judiciary spokesman announced the number was over 1,000, according to state news agency IRNA.
‘Not a place for justice’
Iran’s Meezan news agency, under the country’s judiciary, reported on Saturday. That Mohammad Mehdi Karami. And Seyed Mohammad Hosseini were executed. Early Saturday for the killing of a security officer. Making four people executed since the protests began.
Although Salehi is one of many detained. Few have attracted the attention of supporters at home as well as abroad.
Deposed Shah’s son Reza Pahlavi tweeted support for Salehi on his birthday on December 3.
German lawmaker Ye-wan Rai said she had never heard the rapper or his music before becoming his political sponsor.
He told NBC News via email in December. . Who was on death row “for making music, for rapping about freedom, human rights and injustice.”
“It is not a crime. It is freedom of speech,” he added.For weeks, European politicians have taken political sponsorship of the prisoners in Iran, speaking to the media. And acting as advocates by writing to the European Union. And the United Nations to pressure the Iranian government.
“He expressed the feeling that many of those protesting in the streets of Iran are against the regime of the Islamic Republic.” Said Rai, Who was elected to the Bundestag. Germany’s federal parliament, in September 2021 and has sided with Salehi. Case in contact with people of Iran. “He made himself a target by expressing solidarity with the revolution. And taking to the streets himself.”
Omid Memarian, a well-known commentator.
“This is Tomaz Salehi,” he wrote, reposting a Salehi video supporting the protesters. “Listen to you. His voice is louder than ever!
“Here is the battlefield,” Salehi said in the video. “Now is the time to attack the enemy without fear.”And critic of the Iranian government, also tweeted his support on Monday.
