A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has introduced the TOOMAJ Act, a bill that aims to impose targeted sanctions on Iranian officials and judges who arrest, jail, and impose death sentences on dissidents. The bill is named after Toomaj Salehi, a dissident rapper who has been sentenced to death in Iran for speaking out against the regime's torture and abuse. The TOOMAJ Act seeks to support Salehi and other peaceful protesters in their demand for basic human rights and take specific action against the Iranian regime. The bill also addresses the issue of hostage-taking of Americans and legal residents by the Islamic Republic. This new bill follows the MAHSA Act, which was passed in April and imposes sanctions on Iran's supreme leader's office and its affiliates. The stance of the Biden administration on implementing the MAHSA Act remains unclear. [f3f0d9b1]
The introduction of the TOOMAJ Act by US lawmakers reflects growing international concern over human rights violations in Iran. The bill specifically targets Iranian officials and judges involved in the arrest, detention, and sentencing of dissidents. By imposing targeted sanctions, the US aims to hold these individuals accountable for their actions and deter further rights abuses. The TOOMAJ Act is named after Toomaj Salehi, a dissident rapper who has been sentenced to death in Iran for speaking out against the regime's torture and abuse. The bill also addresses the issue of hostage-taking by the Iranian regime, highlighting the need to protect Americans and legal residents from such actions. This new bill follows the MAHSA Act, which imposes sanctions on Iran's supreme leader's office and its affiliates. The TOOMAJ Act demonstrates the US government's commitment to promoting human rights and condemning rights violations in Iran. [f3f0d9b1]
In a recent development, Iran's Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence of rapper Toomaj Salehi and ordered his retrial. Salehi, who was arrested in 2022 for publicly supporting anti-government protests, was sentenced to death in April for spreading 'corruption on Earth' through his music. The sentence was heavily criticized by human rights organizations, and the Supreme Court found it to be excessive and in violation of Iranian law. Salehi's case highlights the need for international solidarity with dissidents and the urgent reform of the Iranian justice system. He had previously been sentenced to six years in prison and banned from producing music, but that verdict was overturned and he was released. Over 300 musicians in Iran signed a statement supporting Salehi and denouncing his death sentence. [c6f4dff5]