"Salehi's death sentence was overturned," announced his lawyer, Amir Raisian, on X, mentioning that the supreme court has called for a new trial.
In April, Salehi was sentenced to death in Iran for charges including "corruption on Earth," according to Raisian. The rapper was also convicted of offenses like supporting unrest, organizing gatherings, spreading anti-state propaganda, and inciting riots.
Salehi, aged 33, was arrested in October 2022 for supporting protests that began following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. Index on Censorship, along with celebrities like Margaret Atwood, Coldplay, and Sting, had campaigned for his release.
After being arrested, Salehi spent over a year in prison, including 252 days alone in a cell. He was released on bail and reported severe torture during his imprisonment. Just two weeks later, in December 2023, he was arrested again and charged with "corruption on Earth."
Some Iranian authorities disputed the exact terms of his death sentence, noting that the supreme court mentioned his youth and suggested leniency. However, Salehi could still be looking at a lengthy prison term.
Index on Censorship, Human Rights Foundation, and Salehi's international legal team at Doughty Street Chambers emphasized that while the supreme court's decision corrects some of Salehi's unjust treatment, it's crucial to fully uphold his rights. His case has been sent back to Isfahan's revolutionary court for a new sentencing, and any further imprisonment would be unfair. Salehi has advocated for basic rights and should be free to pursue his music and medical care without fear of harassment or persecution.
Salehi’s cousin, Arezou Eghbali Babadi, and his friend and social media manager, Negin Niknaam, jointly expressed gratitude to the international community for their crucial support in securing his release. They emphasized the ongoing psychological strain imposed by Iran's oppressive rules on freedom seekers and their families. While they eagerly await Salehi's unconditional freedom and reunion, they underscored the injustices they endured during this challenging period.
Salehi has stated that Iranians face a dire situation, dealing with a regime willing to harm the nation to maintain its control over power, wealth, and weaponry.
His uncle Iqbal Iqbali, living in Germany, believes Iran is on the brink of a popular uprising against oppressive tyranny.
Next week's presidential elections are approaching amid heated clashes between the sole reformist candidate, Masoud Pezeshkian, and five conservative contenders with varying stances. These confrontations have involved dramatic TV debate exits, denials of luxury shopping trips by candidates' family members, and even physical altercations involving Javad Zarif, the former foreign minister backing Pezeshkian.
There have been debates on issues like poverty, mandatory hijab, internet restrictions, and Iran's nuclear program leading to sanctions. However, little attention has been given to how the judicial system treats dissidents. Pezeshkian is trying hard to convince disenchanted Iranians that voting matters. Polls suggest he's performing well enough to reach a runoff, where he would likely face a tough challenge from a hardline candidate.
SOURCE: The Guardian