Bail granted for Iranian musician Toomaj Salehi

Iranian authorities have granted bail to rapper Toomaj Salehi, who spent nearly a year in jail for his participation in nationwide protests.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 3 . 2:35 PM

2 min read

Iranian musician Toomaj Salehi released on bond

Bail granted for Iranian musician Toomaj Salehi

In December 2024, Toomaj Salehi, the Iranian rapper who gained international attention for his critical songs and participation in the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom protests, was released from prison following an overturned death sentence by Iran’s Supreme Court. However, his brief freedom was short-lived, as he was rearrested in June 2025 amidst an ongoing crackdown on political prisoners in the country.

Salehi's initial sentence of six years and three months in prison for "corruption on Earth" charges was overturned upon appeal, due to "flaws" found in the initial sentence. His release was met with celebration by Iranians within the country and abroad, as well as the international community, numerous organizations, and several political figures in Western countries who had rallied behind him, advocating for his freedom.

The protests that erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini in morality police custody in September 2022 continue to be a significant factor in the political landscape of Iran. Amini's death, which was caused by visible signs of torture that left her almost paralyzed, sparked violent protests in Tehran and led to thousands of Iranians, primarily women, taking to the streets to protest police oppression, brutality, and the compulsory hijab rule.

The protests have been centred around police brutality, compulsory hijab, and the rights of women in the country. Activists and women's rights advocates have been seen burning hijabs and cutting their hair in protest. The death of Amini has triggered widespread protests in various cities across the Islamic Republic, but there is currently no information available about Armita Geravand or her current condition.

The protests have continued to be met with brutal treatment by the Iranian authorities, with broad repression, arrests, and executions of activists and political prisoners continuing through mid-2025. As of August 2025, there is no public record of a final resolution to Salehi's case or his release following his rearrest in June 2025.

Rumors had circulated that Salehi would face the death penalty due to his participation in anti-government protests last year. However, upon appeal, the Supreme Court found "flaws in the initial sentence" and ordered his release from prison. On November 19th, 2023, Salehi was released on bail after being jailed for participating in nationwide protests following Amini's death in morality police custody.

Despite his brief taste of freedom, Salehi was once again arrested in June 2025, amidst an ongoing crackdown on political prisoners in Iran. The international community continues to express concern about the situation in Iran and calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners, including Toomaj Salehi.