International Federation of Journalists Report for 2023: At Least 27 Journalists Arrested in Iran

On Saturday, April 4, the International Federation of Journalists reported the arrest of at least 27 journalists and media activists, and the sentencing of 21 reporters to a total of 60 years in prison in Iran during 2023. This professional organization, in a report recalling the continued pressure on media by the Islamic Republic over the past year, mentioned that the main charges against journalists were 'propaganda against the regime' and 'actions against national security.' The report also noted a 'significant increase' in the summons of media activists to the judiciary over the past year. According to the International Federation of Journalists, at least 27 journalists were summoned to judicial authorities last year, which in some cases led to arrests or the imposition of heavy bail. The annual report also referred to 'strange supplementary punishments' for at least six journalists last year, including 74 lashes in public, a ban on associating with foreign journalists, and exile to the city of Torbat-e Jam. The report stated that since the outbreak of nationwide protests in 2022 until the end of 2023, at least seven publications and news websites have been suspended, closed, or had their licenses revoked due to 'pressure from security institutions or judicial orders.' Following the nationwide protests over the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police, which became known as the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement, and the intensification of pressure on critical journalists, at least six media activists were dismissed from their jobs by the end of 2023. In response to the pressures on journalists and media activists, the International Federation of Journalists issued multiple statements calling for an 'end to pressure, repression, arrest, and imprisonment of journalists' in Iran and emphasized the immediate release of media activists. Anthony Bellanger, the Secretary-General of the International Federation of Journalists, described the arrest of journalists for doing their work in Iran as 'unjust' and added that 'we remind Iranian authorities that freedom of expression is a fundamental right of all Iranian citizens, including journalists.' Reporters Without Borders has assessed the Islamic Republic as 'one of the most repressive governments in the world' regarding media freedom, ranking Iran 177th out of 180 countries in terms of freedom of expression. According to this ranking, only three countries, Vietnam, China, and North Korea, are positioned lower than Iran. Two courts in Kashan sentenced journalist Ali Moslehi to six years and two months in prison, while Maryam Shekarani was fined; a source informed Voice of America that a criminal record is being created to imprison the journalist. Journalist Kimia Fathi Zadeh was sentenced to imprisonment and supplementary punishments, while journalist Saba Azarpayek was sentenced to imprisonment and banned from social media activities.