Reporters Without Borders Calls for Independent Investigation into the 'Tragedy' of Kianoush Sanjari's Death

Reporters Without Borders issued a statement holding the Islamic Republic responsible for the circumstances leading to the 'tragedy' of Kianoush Sanjari's death, a journalist and political activist. The organization expressed condolences to Sanjari's family and emphasized that, based on information obtained, the health of this former political prisoner was severely compromised due to torture during imprisonment and stress from years of threats, intimidation from officials, and ongoing pressures from the Islamic Republic. Jonathan Dagher, the organization's Middle East director, called Sanjari's death a 'preventable tragedy.' He stated that Kianoush Sanjari 'will be remembered as a committed journalist and brave human rights defender' and called for an independent investigation into the death of this political activist and journalist. This director of Reporters Without Borders held the Islamic Republic accountable for the relentless pressures imposed on journalists in Iran, which led to the death of Kianoush Sanjari as a case in point. The organization emphasized in its statement that the Islamic Republic has turned Iran into one of the most dangerous countries for media activity and journalists by creating a perilous environment for reporters. According to this organization, currently, 25 journalists are imprisoned due to their activities, and Iranian journalists, even those not in prison or exile, constantly face threats of imprisonment or violence. Previously, Amnesty International also issued a statement saying that 'years of interrogation, wrongful detention, torture, and exile' tormented Kianoush Sanjari, and his oppressors 'went unpunished.' Kianoush Sanjari, who had lived in the United States for years and was a collaborator with the Persian section of the Voice of America TV network, had returned to Iran in recent years. He ended his life on November 14 in protest against the continued detention of numerous political activists in Iran. The funeral ceremony for Kianoush Sanjari was held in a 'security atmosphere' two days after his death in Behesht Zahra, Tehran. Sanjari's death elicited numerous reactions on social media. If you are considering suicide, please contact social emergency services at 123 or counseling centers.