Iranian Pop Star Tataloo Sentenced to Death for Blasphemy

IRIran|

An Iranian court has sentenced the popular underground musician Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo, known as Tataloo, to death after an appeal against his previous five-year jail term was upheld. The ruling, reported by the reformist newspaper Etemad, follows objections raised by the prosecutor related to accusations of blasphemy, specifically insulting the Prophet Muhammad.

Tataloo, 37, had been living in Istanbul since 2018 but was handed over to Iranian authorities in December 2023 and has been in detention since then. In addition to the blasphemy charges, he has received a ten-year sentence for promoting prostitution and faced additional charges of disseminating propaganda against the Islamic Republic and publishing obscene content.

Tataloo gained recognition for blending rap, pop, and R&B, and previously had connections with conservative Iranian politicians aiming to connect with younger audiences. The verdict is not final, leaving room for an appeal.

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