Achi news desk-
Several dozen members of Calgary’s Iranian community gathered at the peace bridge Saturday afternoon to share the plight of Toomaj Salehi.
He is an Iranian hip hop artist known primarily for his protest songs related to Iranian social issues and the policies of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which have led to accusations of “propaganda against the regime” and “insulting the authority supreme leadership” .
Salehi has been arrested, charged and released on bail several times over the past few years, but a few days ago, on April 24, Salehi was sentenced to death for charges related to the Iran Women, Life, Freedom 2022 movement -23.
Saturday’s demonstration was an effort by the Iranian community to pressure Iran to do the right thing and reverse the executive order.
“They want to scare people, they say, okay, if you come to protest you will be against the Islamic regime of Iran, you will be arrested and you will be executed. That’s their way. That’s their tactic,” said Bijan Maysami, a member of Calgary’s Iranian community.
Salehi’s family said his life was in danger when he went on trial behind closed doors.
This group of Salehi supporters wants the Canadian government to help fight for democracy in Iran.
“Iran is without rain and nobody can really do anything,” Maysami said.
“That’s why the Canadian government needs to recognize IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) as a terrorist group. That is our goal. That is going to help the Iranian people for the goal of achieving freedom and democracy. “
German member of parliament Ye-One Rhie and Conservative MP Jonathan Wilkinson have both become sponsors of Salehi with the aim of improving conditions during his imprisonment and preventing execution.
