Jailed Iranian Rapper Questioned for Backing Arrested Footballer

Imprisoned Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi was questioned by Iranian prison authorities for expressing support for Amir Nasr Azadani, a footballer incarcerated in Dastgerd prison.

Salehi's lawyer, Amir Raisian, announced the news on April 7. 

Raisian said that prison security in Isfahan's Dastgerd prison interrogated Salehi, and there was a physical altercation, resulting in a scratch on Salehi's arm.

Azadani, a former player for Tractor and Sepahan football clubs, was arrested by Iranian security forces in Isfahan during nationwide protests in November 2022. 

On April 4, the footballer was transferred to solitary confinement by order of the Ministry of Intelligence and went on a hunger strike in protest.

Raisian also announced that Salehi's hearing for the 2022 charges will be held on April 18 at the first branch of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court.

Explaining the latest developments in Salehi's case, Raisian told Shargh newspaper, "The Supreme Court reviewed Salehi's 2022 case. They determined that some charges violated the original verdict from the Isfahan Revolutionary Court and were subject to amnesty."

Additionally, the Supreme Court found that the proposed punishments "exceeded legal limits," he added. 

"The court ordered the removal of two charges and sent the case back to the Revolutionary Court," Raisian continued. "However, the investigating branch returned the case to the Isfahan Prosecutor's Office for an increase in charges."

"Instead of upholding the acquittals and considering the Supreme Court's recommendations, the prosecutor's office added two new charges to the case – 'assisting in rebellion' and 'gathering and colluding against national security,'" Raisian said.

Raisian expressed hope that Salehi will be allowed to attend his court hearing in person and defend himself against the charges.