Imprisoned Iranian-American Journalist Criticizes Biden Administration's 'Ineffective Action'

Reza Valizadeh, an Iranian-American journalist imprisoned in Iran, criticized the Biden administration's State Department for its 'ineffective action' regarding his situation. The former Radio Farda reporter stated in a phone message from Evin Prison that after the U.S. State Department issued a statement condemning his illegal detention and sentencing by the Islamic Republic, no effective measures have been taken to follow up on his case. On December 17, the U.S. State Department condemned his arrest and the 10-year prison sentence imposed on him, calling for his immediate release. Valizadeh criticized the lack of contact from the U.S. Interests Section in Iran, stating that as an American citizen, he seeks legal support and contact with the U.S. State Department and the Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy. He expressed disappointment over the 'inaction and inadequate response' of the Biden administration and hopes for necessary support from the next U.S. government for citizens imprisoned in Iran on charges of collaborating with the U.S. According to a ruling from Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, Valizadeh was sentenced to 10 years in prison. His lawyer, Mohammad Hossein Aghasi, mentioned that Valizadeh also faces restrictions such as 'prohibition of residence in Tehran and neighboring provinces' and 'prohibition of leaving the country' for two years. The lawyer noted that his client's crime was reported as employment at Radio Farda. Previously, a family acquaintance told Voice of America that Valizadeh considers his sentence 'harsh and unjust' and believes that such extreme rulings stem from the regime's anger at the activities of foreign media and the inability of security agencies to secure cooperation from journalists who are arrested or caught in security traps. According to reports received by Voice of America, the Iranian judiciary has recently forced Valizadeh to conduct a televised interview with interrogator-journalists. A relative of Valizadeh stated that this forced interview took place on Monday, December 24, in the Iranian judiciary building. Reports indicate that this Iranian-American journalist is imprisoned in Ward 8 of Evin Prison, known for its poor sanitary conditions, infested with bedbugs and environmental pollution, with Evin prison officials taking no action to address these issues. Valizadeh resigned from Radio Farda about two years ago. Shortly after, he announced on his social media account that he returned to Iran on March 7, 2024, stating: 'I entered Tehran on March 7, 2024. Before that, I had unfinished 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 was under the supervision of security agencies and faced continuous interrogations from the moment he entered Iran until his arrest. According to relatives, he was arrested on October 23, 2024, for not cooperating with the IRGC Intelligence Protection and the Ministry of Intelligence and for refusing to express remorse for his journalistic activities. Reports indicate that during a phone conversation with his family, this journalist spoke of 'very bad interrogation conditions during his detention in the IRGC,' which he described as 'torture.' He was held for 11 days in the custody of the IRGC before being transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. The family of this dual-national prisoner has not yet been allowed to visit him. Reza Valizadeh was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The United States advises its citizens not to travel to dangerous countries, including Iran. Valizadeh is in quarantine in Evin without in-person visits from family. The U.S. has requested the Islamic Republic to release Valizadeh immediately.