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
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with Maple Leafs, dead at 79
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was a member of Canada's team at the 1972 Summit Series, has died at age 79.
Fort Nelson, B.C., wildfire doubles in size as 3,000-plus ordered to evacuate
The wildfire that sparked Friday and caused evacuation orders for more than 3,000 people in Fort Nelson, B.C., and the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has grown to nearly 1,700 hectares in size, according to a Saturday morning update from the BC Wildfire Service.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
Hours before the final, Dutch contestant Joost Klein was dramatically booted out by organizers over a backstage incident. He had failed to perform at two dress rehearsals on Friday, and contest organizer the European Broadcasting Union said it was investigating an "incident."
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Haitians demand the resignation and arrest of the country's police chief after a new gang attack
A growing number of civilians and police officers are demanding the dismissal and arrest of Haiti's police chief as heavily armed gangs launched a new attack in the capital of Port-au-Prince, seizing control of yet another police station early Saturday.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
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.
'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.