London, UK – Demonstrators in London gathered on Sunday to protest against the recent death sentence handed down to Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi. The 33-year-old musician was sentenced to death in Iran for his involvement in women’s rights protests, sparking outrage and calls for justice from around the world.

Protesters in London wore masks resembling Salehi’s face and set up a symbolic gallows outside Downing Street to symbolize their opposition to the court’s decision. Salehi supported the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran through his music, which was inspired by the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022.

Amini passed away while in police custody after being arrested for allegedly not wearing a proper hijab. Salehi’s music became a voice for those seeking justice and change in Iran, leading to his arrest in October 2022. Despite being sentenced to six years in prison in 2023, a recent court ruling overturned that decision and sentenced him to death instead.

According to reports, Salehi was labeled as one of the leaders of the riots promoting violence during the protests that followed Amini’s death. The court’s decision to ignore the Supreme Court’s ruling and impose the harshest penalty on Salehi has sparked international condemnation and calls for his release.

Salehi’s lawyer has stated that they intend to appeal the ruling within the given 20-day timeframe. Supporters worldwide, including those in Spain, the US, and Australia, have taken to social media using the hashtag #FreeToomaj to demand his release and stand in solidarity with the imprisoned rapper.

The case of Toomaj Salehi highlights the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression and human rights in Iran and serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by activists and artists who speak out against injustice. The global outcry over his death sentence reflects the growing concern over the Iranian government’s crackdown on dissent and the need for international pressure to address the situation.