International Federation of Journalists Condemns Sentencing of Two Journalists in Iran

The International Federation of Journalists condemned the imprisonment of Elnaz Mohammadi and Negin Bagheri, two Iranian female journalists, on Thursday, September 7. The federation expressed concern over such rulings against journalists in Iran and called for the release of all imprisoned journalists and media activists in the country. Previously, the federation had also called for the release of seven imprisoned journalists and the immediate release of Niloufar Hamedi, Elaheh Mohammadi, Farrokhandeh Ashouri, Nazila Maroufian, Maral Darafarin, Rebar Seyed Mohammadi, and Kamyar Fakour. Elaheh Mohammadi, along with Niloufar Hamedi, was arrested and imprisoned for covering the news of the death of Zhina (Mahsa) Amini while in custody of the morality police last year. The U.S. ambassador to the UN Human Rights Council, coinciding with the 300th day of Niloufar Hamedi's detention, called for the release of this journalist from Shargh newspaper, Elaheh Mohammadi, and all journalists imprisoned for covering the death of Zhina (Mahsa) Amini. Elnaz Mohammadi and Negin Bagheri, journalists for Ham-Mihan and Haft Sobh, were sentenced to three years of suspended imprisonment, participation in a professional ethics training course, and a three-year travel ban on charges of 'collusion and conspiracy to commit a crime against national security.' Elnaz Mohammadi is a social journalist who was arrested on February 5, 2023, while visiting the prosecutor's office. She was temporarily released on bail on February 12 of the same year until the end of the judicial proceedings. Negin Bagheri is a women's journalist who works for publications such as Sepid newspaper and several weeklies. She is currently a member of the editorial board of Haft Sobh newspaper. Amir Reisiian, Elnaz Mohammadi's lawyer, stated to Ham-Mihan newspaper that the court 'ruled that the defendants must participate in a professional ethics training course each season under the coordination and supervision of the Ministry of Intelligence agents during the five years of suspended imprisonment.' These two imprisoned journalists are prohibited from leaving the country and from engaging in professional activities related to the committed crime, as well as from communicating and socializing with individuals working in or connected to foreign media. The Islamic Republic has conducted extensive security and judicial crackdowns against journalists in Iran for over four decades since coming to power. These actions have drawn criticism from the international community.