The name Toomaj Salehi is synonymous with empathy, bravery, solidarity, integrity and authenticity. He is an Iranian rapper who is loved within Iran for voicing the concerns of everyday people and having the audacity to raise these through his music.
For that, he is now in prison.
Having spent time with those on the margins of society, Toomaj sought to express their pain and hopes. Staunchly independent, he went after the system that has kept the people of Iran down for the last 44 years.
He said things many people felt, but were too afraid to express. This alerted the authorities to his powerful Prescence as a leading voice. At the outset of the revolution, Toomaj spoke directly to those on the streets and the sidelines. He advocated for love and solidarity. His taunting of the powerful elite ended up seeing him kidnapped and locked behind bars.
Right now, he has been in jail – in solitary confinement – for more than 145 days. He has committed no crime. He has been charged with ‘enmity against God’ (their favourite charge. I find it staggering that a supposed religious government thinks they are God. Goes against the definition of Islam I would say) which carries the death sentence.
His treatment is purely to set an example and to break the will of Toomaj himself and his supporters.
Not only is he in solitary confinement, but harsh torture meted out by the Islamic Republic is taking a physical toll, with reports of his deteriorating health including his eyesight.
Fortunately though, Toomaj’s message has already reached a mass audience, and rather than break the will of the people, he continues to be a source of inspiration. The daily messages on social media are an example of this.
His family within and outside Iran have kicked off an international campaign to free him https://freetoomajsalehi.com/ involving an open letter to Jill Biden, a case to the Human Rights Commission and a campaign with celebrities and influencers.
To support these efforts, let’s amplify Toomaj’s voice. As many have said, he was our voice – now let’s be his:
- As is outlined on the website above, write #FreeToomaj on a piece of paper. Take a photo, then share on your social media accounts with the following:
- @FranceenIran @GermanyinIran @SKoreainTehran @japaniniran @frank_mollen your governments recently voted for UN Resolution #SS35. Stand by your vote & pressure IRI authorities to free #ToomajSalehi who is being tortured & could face execution @JavaidRehman #MahsaAmini #FreeToomaj
- Share his music and what he means to you. Tag https://www.instagram.com/nfrealmusic/ . NF is the musician that Toomaj said he wanted to collaborate with. When tagging NF, ask him to raise the profile of Toomaj and demand his release. He could do this through a photo, video message or sharing Toomaj’s story through his various platforms.
- If you can/ want to do more – create your own content, contact your local MP to seek political sponsorship, organise a rally or take his photo to rallies, concerts you attend. Take photos and keep posting! Keep the hashtags consistent: #FreeToomaj #ToomajSalehi
Women, Life, Freedom 