Exclusive: The U.S. Urges the Islamic Republic to Immediately Release Reza Valizadeh

On Monday, December 26, the U.S. State Department condemned the arrest and 10-year prison sentence of Reza Valizadeh, a former Radio Farda journalist, and called for his immediate release. A spokesperson for the State Department, in response to Michael Lipin of Voice of America, stated, "We are aware that the Iranian government has repeatedly suppressed press freedom through threats, intimidation, arrests, forced confessions, and the use of violence against journalists in Iran. For this reason, we strongly condemn the prison sentence of Reza Valizadeh and demand his immediate release along with all political prisoners in Iran." The spokesperson reiterated a warning to Iranian citizens residing in the United States, emphasizing, "Due to the risk of kidnapping and arbitrary detention, avoid traveling to Iran." On December 24, lawyer Mohammad Hossein Aghasi announced Valizadeh's 10-year prison sentence on his X account, stating, "Ten years in prison, a ban on residence in Tehran and neighboring provinces, a travel ban, membership in parties, etc., for two years," as punishment for Valizadeh's employment at Radio Farda. Reza Valizadeh left Radio Farda in 2022. Shortly after, he announced his return to Iran on his social media account, writing, "I entered Tehran on March 7, 2024. Prior to that, I had incomplete negotiations with the IRGC Intelligence Organization. Ultimately, I returned to my country after 14 years at my own risk and without even a verbal guarantee." According to information received by Voice of America, Valizadeh has been under the supervision of security agencies and subjected to continuous interrogations since his arrival in Iran and has refused to cooperate with the IRGC's Intelligence Protection and the Ministry of Intelligence or express remorse for his journalistic activities. The family of this dual-national prisoner has not yet had the right to visit him. The Iranian government labels many Persian-language media outlets abroad, including Voice of America and Radio Farda, as "hostile" entities and considers their journalists as security offenders. The president and director of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reacted to the sentence against Valizadeh in a statement, saying, "Reza is an American citizen who has been wrongfully accused, convicted, and now sentenced. The Iranian regime has repeatedly tried to extend its malicious influence worldwide and trample on human rights at every opportunity." Steven Kapus added, "It is clear that this regime feels threatened by forces of freedom, including independent journalism. That is why Radio Farda's mission to provide uncensored news and other programs to the people of Iran is more important than ever." He emphasized that journalism is not a crime and called for the immediate release of Reza Valizadeh so he can reunite with his family. Mohammad Hossein Aghasi stated that the judiciary's accusations against Reza Valizadeh, an Iranian-American journalist, are incorrect. Reza Valizadeh has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. The United States warns its citizens not to travel to dangerous countries, including Iran. Exclusive: The trial of Reza Valizadeh; the verdict will be announced on Sunday. The Iranian Foreign Ministry claims to be aware of Valizadeh's arrest.