Toomaj Salehi is an Iranian rapper known for his music’s criticisms of Iranian authorities. His music has covered topics such as corruption, poverty, and state executions. On 24 April 2024, Salehi was sentenced to death for a song he wrote in support of women’s rights in the wake of the widespread protests surrounding the death of woman human rights defender Mahsa Amini. Salehi was originally arrested in October 2022, then released on bail in November 2023, before being arrested again in December 2023. While out on bail, he released a YouTube video describing the torture he experienced while in detention. He was subjected to severe beatings, solitary confinement, injections of “unknown substances” into his neck, and psychological torture. In 2023, he was the recipient of the Index on Censorship’s Freedom of Expression Award in the arts category. The Index on Censorship, along with Salehi’s family, has filed an appeal with two United Nations Special Rapporteurs regarding his death sentence. Over 100 musicians, artists and cultural figures called for his release. The death sentence was overturned in June 2024, and he was eventually released on 2 December 2024.