International Federation of Journalists Condemns Punitive Actions Against Three Imprisoned Female Journalists

The International Federation of Journalists condemned the "punitive actions" of the judicial authorities of the Islamic Republic against three imprisoned female journalists, calling for the release of these three individuals and other imprisoned journalists. In a statement released on Tuesday, January 9, it stated: "The punitive actions taken against Elaheh Mohammadi, Niloufar Hamedi, and Nasim Soltanbeigi in Evin Prison are strongly condemned." The statement, published on the website of the International Federation of Journalists, quoted Anthony Bellanger, the Secretary-General of this global journalistic organization, saying: "The increasing repression of the media, the ongoing arrests of journalists, and the rising pressure on Iranian reporters have heightened concerns." According to Mr. Bellanger, "The repression of the media in Iran has sounded the alarm regarding the severe violation of the free flow of information and must stop immediately." He emphasized: "All journalists who are unjustly imprisoned must be released immediately." Niloufar Hamedi, Elaheh Mohammadi, and Nasim Soltanbeigi, three imprisoned female journalists, have been denied visits for over a week due to singing a protest song over the phone in prison. The video of their singing of the song "Safarnak" was published on December 18 by Elnaz Mohammadi, Elaheh Mohammadi's sister, and has a protest and political theme, with part of the lyrics stating: "I am dangerously armed on this rubble." In this video, Ms. Hamedi, Mohammadi, and Soltanbeigi sing the song live over three separate phones simultaneously. Pressure on political prisoners in the women's section of Evin Prison has increased in recent days. In this regard, Sarvnaz Ahmadi, a social worker and children's rights activist, has faced restrictions including a ban on calls and visits and even translation. Previously, Shakila Monfared and Behfar Lalehzari, political prisoners in the women's section of Evin Prison, reported in separate letters received by Voice of America about the issuance of "pre-determined" sentences and "torture" during their detention. The International Federation of Journalists emphasized that the protesting imprisoned women, including Elaheh Mohammadi, Niloufar Hamedi, and Nasim Soltanbeigi, "have been threatened by prison authorities and may face additional charges and be transferred to remote prisons." This international journalistic organization also reminded that "currently, 9 journalists are still unjustly imprisoned in Iranian prisons." The three imprisoned female journalists have been denied visits due to singing this song. The response of the Tehran Journalists' Association to the increasing restrictions: the judiciary should exercise restraint. Confirmation of over 45 years of imprisonment for three political activists in the appeals court; informed sources: they have committed no crime. Ebrahim Rashidi, a journalist, was arrested in Meshkinshahr. Release on bail; the charge of "spreading falsehoods" for Maryam Shekarani following the re-publication of news about Armita Garavand. After Niloufar Hamedi, Elaheh Mohammadi also complained against Judge Salavati for "not enforcing the law." Nearly 100 years of imprisonment and other punishments for eleven constitutional activists. The trial of 11 political and civil activists on charges of "gathering and colluding" and "insulting" Khamenei and Khomeini.