Calgary’s Iranian community outraged after Iranian hip hop artist sentenced to death for promoting freedom
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 mainly known for his protest songs concerning Iran's societal issues and the policies of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has led to charges for “propaganda against the regime” and “insulting the supreme leadership authority”.
Salehi has been arrested, charged and released on bail several times over the past several years, but just days ago, on April 24, Salehi was sentenced to death for charges linked to Iran's 2022–23 Women, Life, Freedom movement.
Saturday's demonstration was an effort by the Iranian community to pressure Iran to do the right thing and reverse the execution order.
“They want to scare people, they say, okay, if you come to protest you will be against the Islamic regime of Iran, you'll be arrested and you'll be executed. That's their way. That's their tactic,” says Bijan Maysami, a member of Calgary’s Iranian community.
Salehi family said his life was at risk when he went on trial behind closed doors.
This group of Salehi supporters want the Canadian government to help fight for democracy in Iran.
“Iran is underhanded and nobody really can do anything,” says Maysami.
“That's why we need the Canadian government to recognize IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) as a terrorist group. That's our goal. That's going to help to the Iranian people for the goal to reach the freedom and democracy.”
German member of parliament Ye-One Rhie and Liberal MP and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson have both become Salehi's sponsor with an aim to improve conditions during his imprisonment and prevent execution.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.