Toomaj Salehi will live to fight another day.
Iran’s Supreme Court has overturned the previous verdict that sentenced the Iranian rap star to death over his protest music. The 33-year-old rapper’s death penalty over lyrics marks the first ever in hip-hop.
On Saturday (June 22), Salehi’s attorney, Amir Raisian, shared the news of the reversal with the public in a social media post. According to Raisian, the court found Salehi’s six-year prison sentence “excessive” as it exceeded the legal limit.
The death sentence created confusion as it was not formally confirmed by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency and the judiciary, which often holds closed-door hearings. The case will be reevaluated by another department of the court.
Toomaj Salehi gained notoriety in 2022 over lyrics regarding the alleged death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. He is best known for his hit song “The Mouse House,” which warns collaborators with the Islamic Republic to find a place to hide as they will soon be punished for their wrongdoings.
In 2021, he was arrested for releasing anti-government songs and continued to post music videos opposing the Iranian regime. Salehi was released from Iranian prison in November after serving a year.
Salehi remains imprisoned and is awaiting a retrial request. If approved, the renowned singer can present his defense in a jury trial, potentially overturning his original ruling.
Before the overturn, Toomaj Salehi received celebrity support, including multi-platinum Meek Mill. The rap star, focused on prison reform, denounced Salehi’s sentence in April on X.
Hip-hop faces two major legal challenges with Young Thug and YNW Melly. In both cases, lyrics are being used as evidence in court in accordance with Toomaj Salehi’s ruling. YNW Melly is also awaiting a retrial for his capital murder charges.
Young Thug’s RICO trial will reach 100 days this week with no end. Thug is accused of running a criminal organization disguised as a record label.
More as this story develops.