In a significant turnaround, the Supreme Court of Iran has overturned the death sentence of Toomaj Salehi, a jailed Iranian rapper who was convicted for supporting anti-government protests. Salehi's lawyer, Amir Raesian, announced that the Supreme Court has ordered a retrial, declaring that the previous sentence of six years and three months did not align with Iran's multiple-offenses rules and exceeded the permissible punishment.

Toomaj Salehi, 22, was initially sentenced to prison in July 2023, narrowly avoiding a death sentence due to a Supreme Court ruling. However, in January, the Revolutionary Court in the city of Isfahan charged him with further offenses. During his retrial, Salehi was found guilty of multiple crimes, including "corruption on earth," assistance in sedition, calling for riots, collusion, and propaganda against the state.

Known for his bold criticism of Iran's leaders and their corruption and crackdowns on dissent, Salehi gained fame through his songs and lyrics. He openly expressed support for the 2022 protests, which were ignited by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian Kurdish woman. Amini, 22, was visiting Tehran when she was apprehended by religious police for allegedly not adhering to the strict dress code. The ensuing crackdown on protestors resulted in the deaths of hundreds and the arrest of thousands across the country.

Salehi's case sparked international outrage, with human rights activists condemning the initial death sentence and calling for justice to be served. The Supreme Court's decision to overturn the death sentence and order a retrial is seen as a positive development by many, although concerns over Iran's treatment of political dissidents and freedom of expression persist.

Prior to the nationwide unrest, Salehi was an established artist and a renowned figure, known for his outspoken nature. He resorted to posting his songs on social media platforms as he was banned from performing in concert venues.

As the retrial is set to take place, many will be closely watching the case to see whether justice will prevail and if Salehi's sentence will be reduced further. The outcome will be significant not only for Salehi but also for the larger narrative surrounding freedom of speech and political expression in Iran.