Shahla Safapour, the wife of economic journalist Mehdi Afsharnik, announced that 76 days have passed since her husband's detention, stating that this period has felt like 'a lifetime' for her and their children, during which 'even the minimum form of phone contact' has not been possible. Shahla Safapour expressed that the investigating judge has agreed to Afsharnik's release on bail and called on the judiciary to 'facilitate his release.' The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Mehdi Afsharnik, a veteran economic journalist, comes as civil activist Mehdi Mohammadian stated in a message that the leaked documents related to the case of economic journalists, including Mehdi Afsharnik, 'pertain to major oil mafias in Iran.' Previously, the 'Defense of Free Information' group announced on Thursday, April 5, that Mehdi Afsharnik remains imprisoned in Evin Prison without a lawyer and is deprived of family visits. Meanwhile, the Mizan news agency, affiliated with the judiciary, claimed on February 6 of last year that the detention of 'a former economic journalist' and 'the inspection of the office of a news site' that publishes economic news was carried out for 'reasons completely contrary to journalistic and media activities.' According to Mizan news agency, a 'judicial case' has been formed in this regard, claiming that 'there are no media-related charges' in this case. This journalist was arrested by the security forces of the Islamic Republic on the evening of January 30, 2023, and transferred to Evin Prison. The widespread protests of 2022, which erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the 'Guidance Patrol,' marked a period during which the Islamic Republic intensified its crackdown on media activists. In this context, Reporters Without Borders reported that during the nationwide protests of 2022, at least 79 journalists, including 31 female journalists, were detained by the Islamic Republic. Mehdi Afsharnik and Ali Tasnimi remain in detention without resolution after two months. With the arrest of several local journalists in Iran, media outlets report the beginning of a new wave of pressure on media activists. Atena Farghadani was transferred to Qarchak Prison after being arrested with 'beating and injury.' Continued lack of information about Fahimeh Soltani, a detained student in Isfahan.
Continued Detention of Mehdi Afsharnik, Economic Journalist, Despite Prosecutor's Approval for Bail
Mehdi Afsharnik, an economic journalist, has been detained for 76 days despite a prosecutor's approval for his bail. His wife has called for his release, highlighting the lack of communication and legal representation during his detention. The case has raised concerns about the suppression of journalists in Iran, particularly in the context of ongoing protests.
👥 Key Players
⚡ Actions
📰 What Happened
Iranian journalist Mehdi Afsharnik remains detained despite bail approval amid allegations of oil mafia connections.
- Islamic Republic security forces arrest Mehdi Afsharnik
- Shahla Safapour announce Mehdi Afsharnik
- investigating judge facilitate Mehdi Afsharnik
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The continued detention of journalists like Mehdi Afsharnik underscores the Iranian regime's crackdown on dissent.
📝 Key Evidence
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%