Toomaj Salehi donated his award to flood victims
The social media account of Toomaj Salehi, an imprisoned artist critical of the Iranian government, announced on the social network X that the £2,500 Freedom of Expression award given to Toomaj Salehi is being donated to help the flood victims in Sistan and Baluchestan. Ms. Yvonne Raes’ X account, a German parliament member and Mr. Salehi’s political sponsor, also shared this news.
The Index on Censorship is a non-profit organization that works to defend freedom of expression in the arts and selects an artist each year who is active in the field of freedom of expression. Toomaj Salehi was chosen as the selected artist by this organization in 2023.
Toomaj Salehi is currently serving a one-year prison sentence in Isfahan following the verdict issued for his latest charges.
This sentence relates to a case filed against him after his re-arrest on November 30, 2023, shortly after his release from prison.
Last year, the arrest of Toomaj Salehi sparked numerous reactions, and calls for the release of this Iranian artist were made worldwide.