THREAD 1/Iranian dissident rapper #ToomajSalehi, who condemned the corrupt & inhumane policies of the Islamic Republic in his recent rap songs, was arrested in Iran on Sept 13, 2021, after his music found wide acclaim by Iranian social media users
2/ Security forces searched #ToomajSalehi’s home in Isfahan, arrested him and took him to an unknown location, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported
https://twitter.com/hra_news/status/1437749536747819009?s=20
3/ Days before his arrest, #ToomajSalehi had said on his Twitter that he may be arrested. His Instagram account, where he posted his songs, as well as his Twitter account @ToomajSalehi, are no longer accessible.
4/ In his song ‘Motahed Sho’ (Unite) #ToomajSalehi also condemns the Taliban with lyrics including “Your crimes have drowned the country in blood,” “You sinned in the name of religion” and “My Afghan brother, stand up against tyranny.”
5/His protest raps include ‘Normal Life,’ ’Turkmenchay’ & ‘Mouse Hole.’ In the latter (believed to have lead to his arrest) #ToomajSalehi slams the Islamic Republic, its supporters abroad & those turning a blind eye to the oppression of the Iranian people nufdiran.org/analysis/dissi…
6/The Islamic Republic authorities are notorious for cracking down on musicians, as artists are heavily censored in the country amnesty.org/en/latest/news…
7/Based on the IRI’s history of executing dissidents, #ToomajSalehi’s family & friends are deeply concerned. We call on global rap artists to support #FreeToomaj jailed for rapping for the rights of his people
@kanyewest, @Drake, @nas, @JColeNC, @kendricklamar, @chancetherapper
@kanyewest, @Drake, @nas, @JColeNC, @kendricklamar, @chancetherapper
8/ Amnesty International condemns #ToomajSalehi’s arrest:
https://twitter.com/AmnestyIran/status/1438874424049033217?s=20
9/ And contrary to the dangerously false narrative of those who seek to justify and normalize #ToomajSalehi’s arrest by claiming that his rap songs included death threats, they do not. See thread above & tweet below for context
https://twitter.com/rezahn56/status/1438363054555684866?s=20
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