
September 17, 2021
The Iranian Americans for Liberty strongly condemn the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) for arresting famous Iranian rapper and activist, Toomaj Salehi on September 13, 2021.
This heinous act by the IRI is consistent with their malign behavior over the last 4 decades of arresting, silencing and executing brave Iranian citizens who risk their lives to speak out against the IRI and their apologists in the West such as the National Iranian American Council (NIAC).
From turning off the internet during protests to censoring the voices of Iranians on social media to executing high profile Iranian citizens such as Navid Afkari to arresting Toomaj – the IRI has shown us time and time again they don’t support freedom of speech which is a basic human right.
The Islamic Republic is the enemy of artistic expression. For over four decades, it has imposed Islamist ideology on artists with an iron fist. No amount of pandering and blatant lies by fellow Western artists would cover this bloody record.
Toomaj is but the latest victim of a regime that does everything to extinguish the hope for change and will do whatever is necessary to maintain their grip on power.
We are calling on President Biden, Secretary Blinken and Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to speak out on this issue and to demand Toomaj is released immediately.