Kimia Fathi Zadeh, Journalist, Sentenced to Imprisonment and Additional Penalties

Branch 102 of the Criminal Court of Sirjan sentenced Kimia (Zahra) Fathi Zadeh, a journalist residing in Tehran, to six months in prison and additional penalties. According to a report by the Hengaw Human Rights Organization, this ruling, which was communicated to Kimia Fathi Zadeh on the second of Esfand, includes six months of imprisonment, a fine of ten million tomans, and a two-year ban on professional activities (journalism). The charge against this journalist is 'spreading falsehoods through computer and telecommunications systems with the intent to harm others and disturb public opinion.' Hengaw reported that among the examples of this accusation are 'defaming officials and the regime and disrupting the psychological security of the public in cyberspace.' Previously, the Iran Human Rights website reported on the trial of Kimia Fathi Zadeh following a complaint by Mohsen Nikvarz, the head of information protection and former prosecutor of Sirjan, in Kerman province. According to Iran Human Rights, this 'case-making' occurred after the publication of this journalist's 'documentary' report on the 'corruption' of Shahbaz Hasanpour, the representative of Sirjan in the Islamic Consultative Assembly. Cyber police officers in Tehran had previously confiscated some of her digital devices while searching Kimia Fathi Zadeh's home. A journalist residing in Iran had previously told Voice of America that the Islamic Republic's expectation from the media is 'to produce propaganda bulletins' and that journalists are pressured due to 'critical analyses' under vague titles such as 'black portrayal.' According to Reporters Without Borders, Iran ranks 177th out of 180 countries in terms of media freedom.