Iranian court sentences artist to death

A local court in Iran has sentenced well-known performer Amih Hossein Maghsoudlou, better known as Tatallu, to death for blasphemy.

According to the British newspaper The Guardian, citing local sources, the court initially sentenced the singer to five years in prison. However, the prosecution appealed, and the court decided to aggravate the punishment, replacing the prison term with a death sentence.

It is reported that the case was reviewed, and Tatallu is now accused of insulting the Prophet, which became the basis for the death penalty. The sentence has not yet taken effect, and the singer's defence has the opportunity to file an appeal.

According to The Guardian, 37-year-old Tatallu had been living in Istanbul since 2018, but was arrested and extradited to Iran at the request of local authorities. Prior to this, he had already been sentenced to 10 years for promoting prostitution, distributing obscene materials, and criticising the authorities of the Islamic Republic.

The publication also notes that in the past, Tatallu enjoyed the support of conservative Iranian politicians, who considered him an influential figure for attracting liberal, pro-Western youth in Iran, despite his striking appearance, numerous tattoos, and songs combining elements of rap, pop music, and R&B.