Amir Tataloo: Iranian rapper detained by Turkish authorities

(FASTNEWS | Amir Tataloo) – Iranian rapper Amir Tataloo has been detained by Turkish authorities in Istanbul after he was flagged as a wanted person by Interpol, police say.

Turkish police said Interpol issued a “red notice” for Tataloo, real name Amirhossein Maghsoudloo.

The notice, which is not an arrest warrant, was for a drug-related issue, police said.

However, police said Tataloo was detained for a visa violation. No decision on deportation has been made.

A popular but controversial figure in Iran, the rapper is known for his outspoken criticism of the country’s government.

In his songs and on social media, Tataloo often speaks out against the Iranian government’s record on human rights and press freedoms.

Iranian police have accused Tataloo of “encouraging citizens, especially the youth, to use drugs”, according to a statement quoted by Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency.

Prior to his detention, Tataloo was preparing to travel to the UK, where he was due to play a concert in February.

On Tuesday, Tataloo posted a picture of himself in handcuffs to his Instagram story. A change.org petition calling for Tataloo’s release has received more than 70,000 signatures.