International Federation of Journalists: Imprisoned Media Activists in Iran Should Be Released

The International Federation of Journalists reacted on Thursday, February 25, to the release of four imprisoned journalists in Iran, emphasizing that these journalists should never have been deprived of their freedom and calling on the Iranian authorities to release all imprisoned journalists and media activists. This request came after Elham Mohammadi, Niloufar Hamedi, Rouhollah Nakhaei, and Saeedeh Shafiei were recently released from prison after completing their sentences or receiving pardons. Anthony Bellanger, the Secretary-General of the International Federation of Journalists, stated: "While we welcome the release of our colleagues, we emphasize that they should never have been deprived of their freedom. We urge Iranian authorities to respect press freedom and international human rights commitments, including the right to freedom of expression and protection against arbitrary detention." Mr. Bellanger stressed: "Journalism is not a crime, and the Islamic Republic must release all imprisoned journalists and media activists." In recent days, Iranian judicial officials announced that Elham Mohammadi, Niloufar Hamedi, and Rouhollah Nakhaei had received pardons. Previously, the International Federation of Journalists had stated that four other journalists remain imprisoned in Iran. This federation referred to Vida Rabani, an independent journalist, Reza Valizadeh, a former Radio Farda reporter, Mostafa Nemat, a journalist from Abdanan, and Zhina Modarres-Gorji, a journalist and civil activist. In this context, Dominique Pradalie, the President of the International Federation of Journalists, stated that "the imprisonment of journalists is a warning sign at the international level," and said: "We once again condemn the baseless accusations against our colleagues and call on Iranian authorities to drop all charges against them." He emphasized: "Journalism is not a crime, and the Islamic Republic must release all imprisoned journalists and media activists." Meanwhile, the International Federation of Journalists noted regarding the four imprisoned journalists that this is the only data published from official sources, and there is a possibility of more individuals being imprisoned due to the lack of transparency from Iranian authorities regarding journalists. Amir Hossein Mir-Asmaeili: The Islamic Republic exists and does not exist, destroying critical journalists. Roghayeh Rezaei: Intensification of the crackdown on journalists to prevent the start of protests. Reports indicate the 'closure' of the cases of Niloufar Hamedi and Elham Mohammadi. Four journalists summoned to Evin Prosecutor's Office and Culture and Media. Mehrdad Aladin, a journalist and documentary filmmaker, was released on bail.