A rapper imprisoned in Iran has been denied urgent medical attention, according to a human rights organization. Toomaj Salehi, 33, needs “urgent treatment,” the New York-based NGO Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) said Thursday. She referred to the musician’s confidants in Iran. Salehi is in solitary confinement in connection with the anti-regime protests and faces the death penalty.
According to CHRI, one of the sources close to Salehi reported that the musician was “severely tortured” during his first days in Dastgerd prison in Isfahan province. His ankle was broken and he suffered serious injuries to his left eye from a blow to his head. A video released by state media previously circulated that allegedly showed the rapper blindfolded and with facial wounds as he asked for forgiveness for his support of the protests.
No medical treatment despite injuries
“We are deeply concerned about the severity and extent of his injuries,” the Iranian source said. According to CHRI, medical care is not available in prison. He was refused an examination at the hospital, as well as the selection of a lawyer to adequately prepare for the trial.
CHRI called for the immediate release of Salehi and other political prisoners “under intense, coordinated international pressure”.
Protests killed 537 people
Iran’s nationwide protests began in September following the death in police custody of young Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for allegedly violating the Islamic Republic’s dress code. Since then, at least 537 people have been killed by security forces in connection with the protests, according to Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights.
Source: Krone
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