Voice of America
20 Nov 2023, 04:06 GMT+10
A German lawmaker who serves as the political sponsor of Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi has welcomed the release on bail of the dissident artist but warned he is still at risk as all charges against him are still pending.
'While it is certainly a positive development that Toomaj is no longer in prison, it is essential for me to caution against excessive jubilation because the actions of the Iranian regime are unpredictable, lawmaker Ye-One Rhie told VOA. "They might detain him again next week, or they may never arrest him again. It is imperative for everyone to temper their joy and to remain mindful of Toomaj and other prisoners.'
An outspoken rapper, Toomaj Salehi was jailed in connection with anti-government protests that erupted in 2022. He had been sentenced to six years in prison on charges of "corruption on earth." His lawyer told Iran's reformist newspaper Shargh that upon appeal, the Supreme Court found "flaws" in the initial sentence and ordered him to be freed on bail.
Like thousands of other mostly young Iranians, Salehi embraced a widespread anti-government protest movement that began last September following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of Iran's morality police. She was arrested allegedly for violating Iran's strict Islamic dress code.
In the days before Salehi's arrest in October 2022, he posted videos of himself on Instagram participating in peaceful street demonstrations and urging others to do the same.
Ye-One Rhie underscored her unwavering support for Toomaj.
'Consider the challenges this man has faced during this time, particularly in the past year. I hold the utmost respect for him," she said. "I will stand by him in every possible way, maintaining this support until the end, and I am aware that numerous others will persist in providing their support as well.'
Some information for this report came from Agence France-Presse.
Get a daily dose of Iraq Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Iraq Sun.
More InformationFifty-seven journalists have been killed as of Saturday as a result of Israel's war on Gaza, which has extended to ...
TEL AVIV, Israel - Following Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's statement on Emily Hand's release, Israel's foreign minister says he summoned the ...
WASHINGTON D.C.: The White House says U.S. authorities have foiled a plot to kill a Sikh separatist in the U.S., ...
BANGKOK, Thailand: In response to heightened Chinese activity in the South China Sea, the United States and the Philippines have ...
BEIRUT, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said in a statement on Saturday that ...
ST CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands: After tests on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands revealed lead levels in water ...
Fifty-seven journalists have been killed as of Saturday as a result of Israel's war on Gaza, which has extended to ...
BEIRUT, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said in a statement on Saturday that ...
We have both been reporting on and protesting against U.S. war crimes for many years, and against identical crimes committed ...
Abu Dhabi [UAE], November 28 (ANI): Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra during his ongoing visit to the United Arab Emirates ...
Anne Hidalgo stated that the platform and its owner act deliberately to exacerbate tensions and conflictsParis Mayor Anne Hidalgo has ...
Dubai [UAE], November 28 (ANI): Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi attended the India Global Forum Middle East and Africa 2023 ...