Iranian rapper Amir Tataloo sentenced to death over charges of insulting religion

Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo, the Iranian rapper known as “Amir Tataloo,” has been sentenced to death by the Iranian Supreme Court for insulting religion.

Maghsoudloo has been detained in Iran ever since he was extradited from Türkiye by his own request in December 2023. His initial conviction included a five-year prison sentence for charges of insulting religion, but after an appeal from the prosecutor, the case was reopened, resulting in the death sentence.

Iran’s justice system also reported that multiple complaints against him were filed during his residency in Istanbul, involving minors under the age of 18 that were visiting his apartment.

While the death sentence is not a final verdict and can still be appealed, the decision has garnered international attention, with many human rights organizations raising concerns.

Who is Tataloo?

The 37-year-old rapper had previously faced a 10-year prison sentence for charges including “promoting prostitution” and “propaganda against the Islamic Republic.”

Known for blending rap, pop, and R&B, Maghsoudloo gained both support and controversy in Iran. At one point, he was even backed by conservative politicians as a way to engage young, liberal Iranians.

In 2017, Maghsoudlooappeared on television with Iran’s ultra-conservative President Ibrahim Raisi, who later died in a helicopter crash in May 2024. Additionally, in 2015, Maksudlu released a song supporting Iran’s nuclear program.

Tataloo’s extradition from Türkiye

Maghsoudloo was detained in Istanbul in early 2023, following an Interpol red notice for “encouraging drug use.” The detention occurred during a ID control checkpoint in the Fatih district of Istanbul, where Turkish police discovered his visa violation.

Maghsoudloo had entered Türkiye in July 2019 and overstayed his visa.

His lawyer, Gul Erdogmus, successfully petitioned to lift the administrative detention order that was then imposed on him, arguing that Maghsoudloo was not a flight risk due to his known address in Buyukcekmece.

While the Istanbul 2nd Magistrate’s Court had ruled in his favor, he was deported to Iran under his own request on Dec. 6, 2023.