Award for 'Freedom of Expression' Given to Nasim Soltanbeigi by 'Index on Censorship'

The 'Freedom of Expression' award for 2024 from the prestigious British organization 'Index on Censorship' has been awarded to Iranian journalist Nasim Soltanbeigi. This award honors those who have made significant impacts in the fight against censorship worldwide, recognizing 'brave, influential, and determined' journalists who expose censorship and threats to freedom of expression. Nasim Soltanbeigi stated, 'Censorship in Iran opens new boundaries every day,' and 'security institutions expand censorship through arrests, summons, and illegal actions.' Emphasizing the importance of a free press in illuminating truths and achieving a humane society, she added, 'We independent journalists always stand with the truth and the people.' Nasim Soltanbeigi has focused on political, social, and women's rights issues for over 15 years as a journalist. During the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests, she contacted foreign journalists to ensure that the narrative of the protests and repression reached international audiences. She was sentenced to 3 years and 7 months in prison for 'collusion and conspiracy against national security' and 8 months for 'propaganda against the regime.' She was released after four months for medical reasons. Jemima Steinfield, the executive director of the organization, stated, 'When I think of brave journalists, Nasim comes to mind. She operates in an incredibly challenging environment but still succeeds in delivering the most important news of her country to the world.' She added, 'The hope that filled the streets in the months following the killing of Mahsa Amini still remains in individuals like Nasim, and we will do everything we can to support her.' The Islamic Republic has turned Iran into one of the top ten countries in the world where journalists are imprisoned. In this regard, over 280 legal cases against journalists were filed last year alone. The 'Human Rights Campaign in Iran' states that at least 34 journalists and media activists have been arrested by the Islamic Republic since the first half of this year. Among them, at least 7 journalists, including Elahe Mohammadi and Niloufar Hamedi, who were arrested for reporting on the death of Mahsa Amini while in custody of the morality police, are currently in prison. The Iranian government's foreign ministry stated that it is 'aware' of the arrest of Reza Valizadeh, who was transferred to Evin for '40 months' in prison. The views of a writer on the cultural promises of the medical community: even if they want to, they cannot; this house is in ruins from the foundation. Hamed Esmaeilioun: Iranian journalists are fighting against medieval laws. A report from Midpoint on the increase in the repression of journalists in Iran: pressure has increased in the provinces. The Iranian Writers' Association called for the unconditional release of all imprisoned journalists in Iran.