Reza Valizadeh, imprisoned journalist, goes on hunger strike in Evin

A source close to the family of Reza Valizadeh, an Iranian-American journalist imprisoned in Evin prison, says that this journalist has gone on a hunger strike in protest against the lack of examination and consideration of "all aspects" of his case by the court. This source told Radio Farda on Saturday, March 9, that the imprisoned journalist has announced that he will continue his hunger strike until all dimensions and issues raised during the interrogations and the items recorded in his case and court discussions are re-examined. The mentioned source added that he has called the court proceedings "preordained" and stated that people should know that the process of handling political prisoners' cases is done hastily and without complete expertise, resulting in the issuance of "long and unjust sentences." Reza Valizadeh was detained after being interrogated by the IRGC Intelligence Organization, initially held in Ward 2-A, and then transferred by the Ministry of Intelligence to Ward 209 of Evin prison, which is under the Ministry of Intelligence's control. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, a ban on residing in Tehran and neighboring provinces, a travel ban, and a two-year ban on membership in political and social parties and groups by Judge Iman Afshari in two trials held in the shortest possible time. This sentence was issued against the journalist on charges of "collaborating with the hostile government of the United States." After 10 years of working at Radio Farda, Valizadeh resigned from the media outlet in November 2022, and after a period of residence abroad, he returned to Iran on March 7, 2023, to visit his family and was arrested on September 23, 2023. Valizadeh's acquaintances told Radio Farda that he fell into a "security trap" as some security forces had promised him during phone calls that he would not face any problems in Iran, but he was later arrested and faced heavy sentences. He is currently in Ward 8 of Evin prison, known for its unsanitary conditions and the worst environment. The news of Reza Valizadeh's arrest has faced reactions, including condemnation from Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists. The U.S. State Department and Radio Free Europe have also condemned his arrest as an American citizen, deeming this action "oppressive" and "contrary to international law."