Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi anticipated his arrest; his message continues to grow

Iranian dissident rapper Toomaj Salehi spoke with CBC's Nahayat Tizhoosh in an exclusive interview shortly before he was arrested by the Iranian regime last week. Salehi has been extremely vocal about the country's gender apartheid, economic monopoly and the absence of civil liberties.
»»» Subscribe to CBC News to watch more videos: bit.ly/1RreYWS
Connect with CBC News Online:
For breaking news, video, audio and in-depth coverage: bit.ly/1Z0m6iX
Find CBC News on Facebook: bit.ly/1WjG36m
Follow CBC News on Twitter: bit.ly/1sA5P9H
For breaking news on Twitter: bit.ly/1WjDyks
Follow CBC News on Instagram: bit.ly/1Z0iE7O
Subscribe to CBC News on Snapchat: bit.ly/3leaWsr
Download the CBC News app for iOS: apple.co/25mpsUz
Download the CBC News app for Android: bit.ly/1XxuozZ
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»
For more than 80 years, CBC News has been the source Canadians turn to, to keep them informed about their communities, their country and their world. Through regional and national programming on multiple platforms, including CBC Television, CBC News Network, CBC Radio, CBCNews.ca, mobile and on-demand, CBC News and its internationally recognized team of award-winning journalists deliver the breaking stories, the issues, the analyses and the personalities that matter to Canadians.

[@Abdulmichael62]

Toomaj is legend.

[@johnbuss4169]

I visited Iran about 10 years ago. I have never before encountered such friendly people. What is happening now is just so very sad. The history of religious extremism throughout history is invariably terrible. Let's hope that Iranians will manage to free themselves from this tyranny

[@elsoroushgh9414]

this is revolution, not protest

[@samuelmueller8147]

go protest in iran

[@niko1518]

👏👏👏👏

[@avakeyhan8996]

Iran revolution #mahsaamini ❤🤍💚

[@nimail]

exactly

[@MaryamofShomal]

Toomaj is one of the greatest Iranian artists of the 21st century - and given that our country’s art and music spans thousands of years, that’s saying something. Even y’all who don’t speak Persian will love his music. He is a soulful hero and a champion for humanity ✊🏽💚❤️‍🔥 TOOMAJ AND ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS MUST BE RELEASED!!!! #FreeToomajSalehi #ReleaseToomajSalehi #WomanLifeFreedom #FreeIran

[@lif6737]

Not really a fan of rap, but I’ve been starting to tap into and really enjoy Persian music. I’m really enjoying one musician, Marjan Farsad. There’s such a wealth of music, art, and beauty from Iran that the world needs to experience

[@MaryamofShomal]

People forget that prior to 1979, Iran was the source of so much artistry, craftsmanship, and beauty. From our world-renowned poets like Rumi and Hafez and Ferdowsi, to the Persian rugs that adorn places and museums across the globe, to the filmmakers that still manage to create cinema loved worldwide even under the worst censorship. And the music…music and dance are inherent in our culture, with each region having its own style and beauty. Toomaj is part of a long line of Iranian artists who have contributed to the world, spanning millennia.

[@hkar4385]

@@samuelmueller8147 what?

[@ninacee9140]

Toomaj is absolutely a household name in Iran, considered a hero by young and old. There is a petition on change for anyone who wants to sign it to help raise enough pressure to prevent Toomaj's execution

[@here.justhere]

Where do we sign???

[@here.justhere]

Is this online??

[@MohsenJamaligp]

He's a warrior a hero.

[@daraparsi9546]

#Toomaj_Salehi, is fearless role model, Iranian Hero, type of leader which comes every hundred's of year! amazing artist, singer, song writter. he stands for all the Free and intelligent Iranian. Long live, Toomaj, his music, his idea of free Iran, his way. long live FREE IRAN 🌼🌼❤🤍💚🌼🌼

[@samuelmueller8147]

MARG BAR IRAN AND MARG BAR TO ALL IRANIANS

[@dariust1418]

It's worth mentioning that Toomaj has been actively rapping against the regime long before the current protests (revolution)! This dude is a true warrior! Fearless to say the least.

[@FredNameni]

Thanks for sharing this important news regarding the Iranian Rapper Singer

[@s.i1905]

Thanks for the coverage , we need our voice head throughout the world

[@Anna-re4wi]

Thank you for covering Iranian news.

[@AJ-ul1lt]

We love you toomaj !

[@saraameri3605]

Thank you for continuing to cover Iran’s news. Please continue to do so. This is our precious chance to collectively use what we have in power to the benefit of freedom in Iran and peace for the world

[@amin-cm9sn]

Toomaj is a talented rapper and a good person

[@samtherecordman6706]

Toomaj is a revolutionary hero. We will build statues of you LEGEND

[@hpersian1980]

✋✋To all People of the free countries!✋✋ Please do us a very important favor and contact and ask your politicians, representatives or senators to recall your ambassadors from Iran, dismiss the ambassadors of this illegal regime, and cut any connections with them! This is what we need! They are not our representatives! Don’t deal with our murderers!

[@boopeep9670]

❤💔

[@navidafkari3765]

Thank you for covering it. I love CBC News.

[@sassaidi]

This channel always has good coverage of Iran, unlike many other Canadian news channels.

[@stand.with.Iranians]

Shame on the democratic countries and international community that watch the pligt of people in Iran and do nothing. Shame on UN.

[@amyk3275]

True

[@behnam7746]

l am from lran For the sunrise after a long dark night For Woman Life Freedom ♥️♥️♥️

[@azamnowrouzi7507]

We Iranian people appreciate your support CBC 🙏

[@samuelmueller8147]

marg bar iran

[@VivaFreeIran]

Thank you so much Nahayat ❤now I know why Toomaj accept your invitation for talk and broadcast. Toomaj is in everyone’s heart and we haven’t stop praying for him. We are all following his legacy for free Iran from dictatorships and murderous of Islamic Republic! Nahayat thank you my sister 💞✌🏻 دوباره می سازمت وطن ❤ می توان و باید ✌🏻👊🏻

[@vahideftekhar9043]

Thanks for coverage

[@Hambastegy]

Thank you for being a voice for Freedom!

[@baharehforotan7257]

Free Toomaj Salehi - the son of Iran and all of our voices.

[@JazzATrain]

he World stands with Toomaj Salehi !

[@maxhorowitz9638]

Thanks for being our voice. To non-Iranians, PLEASE: - Either join Iranians in their demonstrations around the world. - Or talk to your politicians to stop legitimising this brutal regime. - Or just simply follow the hashtags: #MahsaAmini , #Nika_Shakarami , #SarinaEsmaeilzadeh , #IranRevolution, #Sanandaj, #Zahedan and share the contents on your social media.

[@PeymanSayyadi]

Thanks for covering this important story.

[@y031962]

Thank you so much for this coverage. Please keep up the coverage and make sure you put enough pressure on Islamic Republic of Iran to keep them from executing Tomaj.

[@pickledragonrebel]

And any more protesters

[@albid8732]

Help Iranian people.

[@Abdulmichael62]

King toomaj

[@evelynbller8353]

Please please help him .

[@itsmoody8095]

#toomajsalehi

[@golnazmoosavi]

Thanks for covering

[@100saltanhayee]

Tomaj a fighter for democracy, a hero, a legend! Tomaj Tomaj, Tomaj!

[@azadehrha6723]

Be Our Voices #Iran

[@shahlaka8240]

#توماج🙏🏼🥲🥲🥲 جان توماج و هزاران جوان بی گناه دیگر در خطر اعدام است. سازمان حقوق بشر کجاست؟ 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🖤🖤💔💔

[@mayer14474]

Thanks for covering this

[@samuelmueller8147]

marg bar iran

[@mayer14474]

@@samuelmueller8147 why?

[@artimisparsian4742]

Thank you for your support of our brave leader. He is such as Mahatma Gandi And Nelson Mandela for us.

[@samuelmueller8147]

marg bar to iran and marg bar to you

[@JazzATrain]

Toomaj Salehi is MUCH more admirable and sincere than either Gandi or Mandela. He is not a politician and is in no way self-serving. He is simply a brave and passionate artist who cares deeply about his people.

[@samsami6313]

@@samuelmueller8147 kiram to dahanet basiji.... Your days are numbered!

[@shaybritting6019]

Thanks CBC Canada 🇨🇦 For Your Coverage On Latest IRAN's Events!

[@Alex-iv5xe]

Free Toomaj. Help toomaj. Free Iran👏 #freetoomaj #freetoomajsalehi #helptoomaj #toomajsalehi #helptoomajsalehi #mahsaamini #freeiran #iranrevolution #helpiran

[@Shahabbi]

Thank you for covering this

[@mahdimsharifi3123]

invite you to watch his words after his arrest as well it will gives more insight.

[@AngieSadeghi]

Love Tooraj. He’s so BRAVE

[@surena3727]

His name is toomaj Not tooraj

[@ghassan8674]

He forgot to mention the Canadian torture and murder of civilians in Afghanistan. And CBC forgot to remind him of that for some reason. !!!!

[@abbassadri1980]

Thanks for correct reflection 🙏

[@soofn1]

Where can I watch the full interview with Toomaj? #freetoomaj

[@TomNouri]

#toomajsalehi 🔥🔥💪🏼

[@thewitcher5440]

Toomaj the definition of Bravery

[@shawnyousafi622]

This killer regime has no place in our beautifull Iran for 43 years killing our people on the name of God. Please be Toomaj Voice he is one of bravest Iranian. One solution.

[@samuelmueller8147]

marg bar iran

[@canadaclub8920]

Good, hopefully they can finally overthrow that criminal regime

[@keyonkian]

Anyone who is reading this! pls ask G7 leaders to expel Iran's Diplomats! Wishing the best for Iranian women and men is not gonna stop the regime from killing them.

[@azamnowrouzi7507]

My definition of a free ✨️ society is a place where one can be safe.if one does not want to join the group.

[@Royan1900]

Join which group? I disagree, you shouldn't feel safe if you choose to join a murderous dictatorship group - there'll be consequences and you should live in fear for your crimes against humanity.

[@Al404DVP]

They need a referendum to choose form of governance. Velayete faghih (Absolute rule of the supreme leader) needs to be abolished, the referendum will confirm that. Also, the gaurdian council and other unelected bodies need to go. They veto the candidates that are against regime politics, and control who can run for Parliament and the executive branch.

[@100saltanhayee]

Tomaj is a legend! God be with him where ever he is kept by the regime! Help him please! Please!

[@shaybritting6019]

So extremely sad All we hear about Toomaj Salehi is that he was "ANTICIPATING" His Arrest, So, We Should Move On And Forget About Him???!! SHAMELESS, SOULLESS!! 😭🙈💔🖤

[@hoomanb8668]

TOOMAJ IS LEGENDARY

[@AliNe-ye6tn]

this is a revolution, not a protest! #MahsaAmini

[@samz.532]

Eye-opening! Dictators are even scared of a rapper!

[@keyonkian]

Anyone who is reading this! pls ask G7 leaders to expel Iran's Diplomats! Wishing the best for Iranian women and men is not gonna stop the regime from killing them.

[@janinecaramanus1392]

This is terrible 😞

[@savemeows]

#Toomaj_salehi Brave Persian !

[@omidpourhossein]

just goes to show history repeating itself...you cannot rule people with fear forever eventually fear turns into hate...something authoritarian and dictatorships never learn from.

[@omidm1991]

Be voice of Iranian for Freedom

[@cowliec]

Love Toomaj, You are a brave Persian warrior we all should follow you to bring freedom to Iran and bring Iran out of Islam. We Do Not want this Arab Allah Religion in Iran anymore. Fight to the end to Victory

[@masoumehjafari9678]

Love Tomaj

[@oscar3196]

WOMAN LIFE FREEDOM ✌️

[@ITSSIRWAN86]

love you toomaj

[@hamedjodaki6146]

Zende bad ❤Tomaj✊✊

[@samansyedy8812]

Tomaj Salehi was teaching the protesters how to make a Molotov cocktail.😅

[@keyonkian]

Anyone who is reading this! pls ask G7 leaders to expel Iran's Diplomats! Wishing the best for Iranian women and men is not gonna stop the regime from killing them.

[@mbods5705]

#free_toomajsalehi 🙏🙏🙏

[@alexparsa7765]

#freetomaj please be our voice 🙌❤️💙❤️

[@nimaalaie]

Thank you CBC for covering this.Toomaj is a brave Iranian rapper. #FreeIran #Islamic_Republic_Is_Not_Our_Choice #Toomaj_Salehi #Mahsa_Amini

[@mohammadg50]

Hip hop will be our voice 💯

[@zaffarjawaid2033]

Free Tamooj Salehi, the voice of freedom in Iran.

[@peimanmalekmarzban4633]

Well done CBC

[@niko1518]

#free_toomaj_salehi

[@shayal3491]

Please talk about him again his life is in danger!! 🆘🆘🆘

[@joeberi1551]

# Mahsa. Curse to “unelected” commanders in chief KhOmani and down with KhAmanee dictators. &&&&&&&&&& Long live the struggle of Iranian for secular democracy and gender equality: 1. Women= human=Men aka women, life, freedom and men, country, development. 2. Freedom of “ALL” political parties eg socialist 3. free election directly by the “PEOPLE (no “unelected supreme leader or “unelected” guardian consul handpicking candidates). 4. Freedom of ALL speeches 5. Freedom of ALL peaceful protests 6. Freedom of ALL religion eg Bahaee 7. Separation of religion and government. Governments ARE NOT GOD

[@medalina4852]

Yes this is true

[@erfansaberi3293]

Toomaj❤❤❤❤❤

[@kido2247]

Free Toomaj Salehi #FREE_TOOMAJ

[@nathalieburli4383]

Please HELP for Toomaj !!! It's really URGENT !!! He is in Prison again since the 30 november 2023 !!! His Life is really in danger !!!

[@fay5332]

#freetoomajsalehi and his friends

[@vafalalani7280]

Thanks for stand next to Iranian protest

[@azamnowrouzi7507]

My definition of free society is a place where one doesn't want to join the group.

[@100saltanhayee]

Tomaj is one of the leaders in the middle of action! It’s a battle and he fights courageously! Free him ! Free him ! He might even been killed by now! He is our zelensky!

[@nathalieburli4383]

Hilfe Toomaj yetzt !!! SOS !!! ❤ Bitte Bitte !!! SOS !!!

[@kanimangaa.4574]

Toomaj is a lion! I hope he’ll make it, but we all know that he’s being tortured! #mahsaamini 👊👊👊🔥🔥🔥✌️✌️✌️

[@fay5332]

#freetoomajsalehii&his friends

[@righteousbyfaithinChrist]

Khomeni will pay.

[@fay5332]

#freetoomajsalehi&his friends

[@fay5332]

#freeiran

[@shining.shin.]

#freetoomaj

[@faithm8072]

Be the voice of Iranians! #magnitsky #toomaj salehi #hossein ronaghi #fatemeh sepehri #no execution

[@oscar3196]

#freetomajsalahi

[@amirhooshang1269]

almost in the history 200000000.00 innocent people have been brutally killed or tortured do we really need religion? We can use your cognitive ability to have decent life which shall bring peace among nations. what is the benefit of religion?

[@PapakShirazi]

thanks

[@samansyedy8812]

This rapper was introduced in the protests by producing violence and calling for chaos, otherwise he would not be a well-known artist.

[@niko1518]

Woman_life_freedom

[@MrsMcIlrath]

Rap….rhythm and poetry. This is y they refer to some as poets.