Tag: Iranian Rapper

Rapper Armin Nourani Detained, Forced Confession Video Published

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Freedom of Expression, News
forced confessions, Iranian Rapper, Khojasteh, آرمین نورانی

HRANA – Armin Nourani, a rapper known by the stage name “Khojasteh,” was arrested and later released after signing a written pledge. At the same time, a video containing his confessions was released, though it remains unclear under what circumstances the video was recorded.

According to HRANA, Armin Nourani, known as “Khojasteh,” was temporarily detained.

Following his arrest, a video of his forced confessions was released. In the video, which was recorded under unknown circumstances, Nourani expresses regret over some of his previous statements and positions regarding the protests and his support for protesters. He was later released after signing a written pledge.

HRANA is investigating further details regarding the case, including the charges brought against Nourani.

Armin Nourani is a rapper who performs under the stage name “Khojasteh.”

It should be noted that, in addition to the violation of human dignity resulting from the recording and broadcast of forced confessions, under the law, an individual is presumed innocent until a court issues a final conviction. Any punishment imposed before a final conviction constitutes a violation of that individual’s civil and human rights.

Protest Rapper Vafa Ahmadpour Sentenced to One Year in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Evin Prison, Iranian Rapper, Vafa Ahmadpour, Vafadar, وفا احمدپور

Vafa Ahmadpour, also known as Vafadar, has been sentenced to one year in prison by the Revolutionary Court.

Ahmadpour announced the conviction on social media, stating that he was found guilty of “spreading propaganda against the regime.” His case has been handed over to the judgment enforcement unit.

Ahmadpour’s trial took place on April 14, 2024.

In late March of this year, Ahmadpour was arraigned at the Evin Courthouse for “propaganda against the regime,” “disseminating false information,” and “disturbing public opinion.” The court dismissed the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security” due to insufficient evidence.

He was arrested on February 4, 2024, by security forces at his residence and detained for over 15 days before being released on bail from Evin Prison.

During his detention, PEN America issued a statement condemning Ahmadpour’s arrest and called for his immediate release.

Protest Rapper Toomaj Salehi’s One-Year Sentence Upheld on Appeal

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Freedom of Expression, News
Amir Raisian, Iranian Rapper, Isfahan, Toomaj Salehi

The Appeals Court of Isfahan Province has upheld the one-year sentence for protest singer Toomaj Salehi, as reported by ILNA.

Amir Raisian, Salehi’s lawyer, revealed that the Court of Appeal dismissed their complaint against the initial verdict, rendering it final. Despite this setback, Raisian announced plans to pursue a retrial based on Article 477 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Salehi’s conviction for “propaganda against the regime” comes with additional consequences, including a two-year travel ban, the revocation of his passport, and mandatory participation in behavior management and knowledge skills programs.

Furthermore, Raisian clarified that this verdict is connected to a legal case initiated this year, stemming from the publication of a photo by Salehi.

He emphasized that Salehi faces an even greater challenge from a separate legal case dating back two years. On January 21, 2024, the Public and Revolutionary Courthouse of Isfahan indicted Salehi on multiple charges, including Baghi, an accusation of armed rebellion that carries the potential for severe punishment, including execution. In response, Raisian, expressed concerns about due process, labeling it as “unusual,” “illegal,” and “peculiar.” The Criminal Court has undertaken another part of this legal, adding more legal challenges to this protest rapper.

Rapper Toomaj Salehi Arrested

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Freedom of Expression, News
Iranian Rapper, Toomaj Salehi

On October 30, 2022, Rapper Toomaj Salehi was arrested by security forces.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting Rokna, famous protest rapper Toomaj Salehi was arrested.

Rokna claimed, “Salehi was inciting people and published fake news in recent weeks.”

Salehi has faced other arrests and convictions on a prior occasion. On September 12, 2021, Salehi was arrested by security forces at his home and nine days later, released on bond from Dastgerd Prison.

On January 12, 2022, he was sentenced to six months in prison and a fine. The imprisonment was suspended for one year. In the trial, he was exonerated from the charge of “provoking violence and insurrection”.