International Press Club Award Goes to Niloufar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi

Niloufar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi, two imprisoned journalists in Iran, won the 2023 'Freedom Award' from the National Press Club of America, named after 'John Abushan.' This is the most prestigious award of this journalism organization in the U.S. Aileen O'Reilly, the organization's Secretary-General, stated in a statement announcing the news: 'This year, freedom of expression and the press in Iran has gone through one of its toughest periods. According to research, about 90 Iranian journalists were arrested during the nationwide protests that erupted after the murder of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police.' The Secretary-General added: 'This year's award winners, our honorees: Niloufar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi, are journalists who worked to document and recount the narrative of Mahsa's murder and the protesters, especially women.' The statement continued: 'Niloufar Hamedi, after being beaten by officials, managed to enter the hospital and capture a photo of Mahsa's parents, who were crying and holding their child. These images quickly circulated and were shared on social media. She was arrested a few days later. Elahe was also arrested for covering Mahsa's funeral and the unrest surrounding it.' The Secretary-General of the National Press Club of America also referred to the trial of these two Iranian journalists that took place in recent days, stating: 'Both women were taken to court in Tehran this week behind closed doors. They remain imprisoned and are awaiting their sentences, which have been classified as related to national security and could carry the death penalty. We are deeply concerned for them.' Currently, the global journalism community is making significant efforts to raise awareness about Niloufar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi. Among them, they have been included in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people of 2023. The statement further noted that the Abushan Award aims to draw attention to these two 'brave women' and protest against the 'brutal treatment they have received,' and the 'National Press Club of America' calls for 'the freedom and safety' of these two journalists. This organization awards two Abushan Awards annually - one for international and one for domestic achievements. The winner of the domestic Abushan Award, announced earlier this year, was Evan Gershkovich, a journalist for The Wall Street Journal. The awards for this year's Abushan winners are set to be presented this fall at a ceremony held at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Established in 1907, the National Press Club is the largest professional journalism organization in the world. With 3,000 members representing nearly all reputable journalism organizations, it is one of the main voices for press freedom worldwide. Niloufar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi, after nine months of detention, defended their actions as journalists during their last closed trial session in Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court last week, rejecting all charges and emphasizing that they 'take pride in being the voice of the people.' In November 2022, the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC Intelligence Organization issued a lengthy statement making allegations against the protesters and, by presenting conspiracy scenarios, specifically accused Elahe Mohammadi and Niloufar Hamedi of having connections with foreign governments. Ahead of the second trial session for Niloufar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi, journalists who reported on Mahsa Amini, a Twitter storm emerged for Niloufar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi; the trial of the two journalists is taking place. The International Federation of Journalists has called for the release of Niloufar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi. They rejected all charges in court; Elahe Mohammadi stated: 'I take pride in standing with the people.' Niloufar Hamedi in court: 'I take pride in my work as a journalist.' Users ahead of the trial of the two journalists: 'We are the loud voice of Elahe and Niloufar.' The Federation of Journalists has called for the release of imprisoned journalists; media repression is condemned. Exclusive: Elahe Mohammadi's political guardian: 'I am amazed by her power and that of Iranian women.'