Exclusive | U.S. State Department: The Death of Sanjari is a Sign of Iranian Youth's Despair

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State expressed condolences over the passing of Kianoush Sanjari, a former journalist for the Persian section of Voice of America, and extended sympathy to his family. In a statement to Voice of America, the spokesperson said, "We are saddened by the death of Kianoush Sanjari, a former journalist for the Persian section of Voice of America, and we sympathize with his family." The spokesperson added, "His death and other recent suicides among youth in Iran indicate a growing despair among Iranian youth towards a regime that suppresses their most basic human rights." The U.S. State Department reiterated its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners detained without just cause in Iran. Kianoush Sanjari, in one of his last posts on social media, had called for the release of Fatemeh Sepahri, Arasham Rezai, Tomaj Salehi, and Nasrin Shakeri, stating that if news of their release was not published by the judiciary of the Islamic Republic by "7 PM on Wednesday, November 23, 1403," he would end his life. The spokesperson emphasized in their written statement to Voice of America that the Islamic Republic government in Iran must stop suppressing critics and human rights activists. Reactions to Kianoush Sanjari's death: An indictment against the Islamic Republic. Two political prisoners on the anniversary of November 98: "Big changes" are within reach. Reactions to Kianoush Sanjari's protest suicide: His blood is on the Islamic Republic. The mother of Nika's seeker of justice in court; charges: "Insulting" the sacred, Khomeini, and Khamenei.