An Iranian court has reportedly sentenced tattooed pop star Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo, known as Tataloo, to death for blasphemy. The 37-year-old singer has been in detention in Iran since December 2023 after being extradited from Turkey.
Multiple Iranian media sources, including the Iranian newspapers Etemad and Jame Jam, reported on Sunday that Tataloo was sentenced to death by Iran’s Supreme Court after being found guilty of insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Etemad reported that Tataloo was serving a five-year jail term for various offenses, including blasphemy, but his case was reopened at the request of the prosecutor. He received a death sentence on retrial.
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The report noted that the verdict was not final and Tataloo could still appeal. Iranian judiciary officials also said Sunday that a final verdict on the case had not yet been issued.
The musician, known for blending rap, pop, and R&B styles, previously faced a 10-year sentence for promoting “prostitution” and was charged with anti-regime propaganda and publishing “obscene content.”
Tataloo has not always been at odds with the Iranian regime. In 2015, he released a song supporting Iran’s nuclear program, which fell apart after the Trump government later withdrew from the deal. In 2017 Tataloo held a televised meeting with the ultra-conservative Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi, who later died in a helicopter crash. Before his extradition, Tataloo had been living in Istanbul since 2018.
The case comes against a backdrop of increasing persecution in Iran, including judicial executions. The UN reported some 901 executions in 2024 — the highest number in nine years. The uncertainty surrounding Tataloo’s verdict coincided with a shooting at Iran’s Supreme Court in Tehran on Saturday that resulted in the deaths of two judges who specialized in national security cases.
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Iranian pop star Tataloo has reportedly been sentenced to death for “blasphemy,” according to recent reports. The singer, known for his controversial lyrics and outspoken views, has faced backlash from the conservative Iranian government in the past.
Tataloo, whose real name is Amirhossein Maghsoudloo, has been a prominent figure in Iran’s music scene for years. His songs often touch on social and political issues, which has led to criticism from religious authorities in the country.
The exact details of the alleged blasphemy charges against Tataloo have not been made public, but reports suggest that he may have insulted religious figures or beliefs in his music or social media posts.
The news of Tataloo’s death sentence has sparked outrage and concern among fans and human rights activists. Many have called for his release and condemned the Iranian government for its harsh treatment of artists and activists.
It is unclear what steps Tataloo and his legal team plan to take in response to the sentence. However, his case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who speak out against the government in Iran.
As the situation continues to unfold, supporters of Tataloo are urged to raise awareness and demand justice for the popular pop star. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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