Iran’s Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence against controversial Iranian pop star Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo, popularly known as Tataloo, on charges of blasphemy, the country’s judiciary confirmed on Saturday.
The 36-year-old singer, known for his provocative lyrics and heavily tattooed appearance, was extradited from Turkey in December 2023.
He was initially sentenced to five years in prison for blasphemy by the Tehran Criminal Court.
However, the Supreme Court overturned that verdict and referred the case to a different court, which ultimately handed down the death penalty.
“This ruling has now been confirmed and is ready for execution,” said judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir at a press briefing.
He noted that Tataloo’s legal team has filed two appeals one for a retrial and another seeking clemency.
“These requests have been formally registered and are under review,” Jahangir added.
In addition to the blasphemy conviction, Tataloo has also been sentenced to 10 years in prison for allegedly “promoting corruption and prostitution” and spreading “propaganda against the Islamic Republic.”
He is currently serving that prison sentence while awaiting the outcome of his pending appeals.
The flamboyant singer, once viewed as a fringe figure in Iran’s underground music scene, rose to prominence in the 2010s.
In a surprising twist, he gained support from some conservative Iranian politicians, including the late President Ebrahim Raisi, who saw him as a potential bridge to the country’s disaffected youth.
In 2015, Tataloo released a pro-nuclear deal anthem during the administration of moderate President Hassan Rouhani.
The song, which expressed support for Iran’s nuclear ambitions, was widely circulated by state media.
Tataloo had been living in Istanbul, Turkey, since 2018, where he continued to release music and maintain a large social media following.
His arrest and extradition by Turkish authorities in late 2023 sparked criticism from international human rights groups, who warned that he faced serious risks if returned to Iran.
The confirmation of his death sentence is likely to fuel further international concern over freedom of expression and artistic freedom in Iran, where authorities have increasingly cracked down on dissenting voices, particularly in the wake of ongoing unrest and political tension.
No official date has been announced for the execution, pending the outcome of the retrial and clemency applications.
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