Popular Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison for his involvement in the protests last fall sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was arrested by the country’s morality police for allegedly violating the Islamic dress code.

The sentence was announced on Monday by a social media account managed by Salehi’s supporters, as well as German MP Ye-One Rhie, who campaigned on his behalf. The 33-year-old artist had criticise the Iranian government in his songs and music videos, which had been widely circulated online.

In one of his videos, he rapped about Amini’s arrest: “Someone’s crime was dancing with her hair in the wind”. In another, he spoke of the downfall of the Iranian theocracy: “Your whole past is dark, the government that took the light out of the eyes , Forty-four years of your government, this is the year of failure.”

After his arrest, state media released a video of him blindfolded and apologising for his words, which rights groups say is likely to have been forced under torture. In the wake of the protests, authorities launched a heavy crackdown, in which over 500 people were killed and nearly 20,000 arrested.

Seven of those detained have been executed, accused of attacking security forces. Salehi’s supporters had feared he could face the death penalty, but it is clear from the sentence that the court has taken into account his young age, as well as the fact that the evidence against him was largely based on his music.

The protests largely died down earlier this year, but it is clear that there is still widespread discontent among Iranians, who are deeply frustrated with the government and its policies. It is hoped that Salehi’s sentence will be a reminder to the government that free expression and peaceful protest are rights that should not be repressed.

Salehi’s case should serve as an example of the importance of upholding freedom of expression, and the power of art and music in challenging oppressive regimes.