Anniversary of Mahsa; International Federation of Journalists Report on a Year of Suppression of Journalists and Media in Iran

On the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death in the custody of the morality police, the International Federation of Journalists published a comprehensive report on the violation of freedom of expression and the suppression of journalists and media in Iran. According to this federation, following the 'suspicious' death of Mahsa Amini on September 16, 2022, a widespread wave of protests erupted across Iran, unprecedented since the establishment of the Islamic Republic. It continues to state that thousands of protesting citizens were killed and injured in the streets, with many arrested and imprisoned. The International Federation of Journalists emphasizes that during this period of media suppression, the arrest of journalists and pressure on media activists significantly increased. According to this federation, media professionals, who were engaged in news coverage as part of their inherent duty, faced 'severe and deplorable' confrontations from law enforcement and security forces. The report indicates that since the onset of nationwide protests in Iran, at least 100 journalists have been arrested and imprisoned, many receiving long-term sentences or being forced to leave their jobs. Additionally, at least eight media outlets have faced restrictions such as confiscation, suspension, closure, or revocation of licenses due to pressure from security and governmental entities. According to the report, over 21 journalists have been sentenced to prison on charges such as propaganda against the regime and actions against national security. Another section of the report examines the summoning of journalists to the judiciary, noting that judicial and security officials summoned at least 110 journalists in the past year. The report concludes that at least 20 journalists in Iran have emigrated due to arrests, summons, and long-term sentences. According to the latest statistics from the International Federation of Journalists, six journalists are still unjustly held in prison. These journalists include: - Niloufar Hamedi, journalist and reporter for Shargh newspaper, arrested on September 22, 2022, at her home in Tehran - Elahe Mohammadi, journalist and reporter for Ham-Mihan newspaper, arrested on October 24, 2022, while heading to the judiciary - Vida Rabani, freelance journalist, arrested on October 24, 2022, released on medical leave on June 10, 2023, and returned to Evin Prison on September 23 - Riboar Seyed Mohammadi, overseas reporter for Sahar TV, arrested last year upon returning to Iran after a trip to the Kurdistan region and sentenced to seven years in prison, currently serving his sentence - Kamyar Fakour, labor journalist for Khabar Online, arrested on May 8, 2023, and transferred to the general ward of Evin Prison to serve an eight-month sentence - Ali Moslehi, local journalist in Kashan, arrested on July 20, 2023, at his home in Kashan. The International Federation of Journalists has condemned the pressure against journalists in multiple statements and has called on Iranian authorities to drop all charges against them. This report was compiled using the website of the International Federation of Journalists.