Statement by 167 Iranian Journalists in Protest Against 'Chain Shutdown of Press'

167 Iranian journalists issued a statement protesting the suspension of the newspapers 'Mardom Emruz' and 'Roozan' and what they described as the 'illegal method of chain suspensions and shutdowns of the press' in Iran. The signatories emphasized that there seems to be no end to the illegal method of suspending and shutting down the press in Iran. According to these journalists, the suspension of publications violates the rights of media and society to free circulation of information, news, and diverse opinions, and undermines the job security and professional independence of journalists. The signatories also stated that the suspension of the press prevents the accumulation of knowledge and experience, depriving journalists and publications of the opportunity to gradually attract audiences to the media. The statement concluded: 'We, the journalists, condemn the suspension of media and demand an environment where media can continue their work with confidence and restore enthusiasm to the editorial offices so that our country's media can fulfill their professional roles in conveying news, information, and opinions to society.' The newspaper 'Mardom Emruz', managed by Ahmad Sotari and edited by Mohammad Ghouchani, was suspended on Saturday, January 27, by the order of the prosecutor of Branch 2 of the Culture and Media Court. Aladdin Zahoorian, the secretary of the Press Supervisory Board, announced on Tuesday, January 29, the revocation of the newspaper's license and the referral of its case to court. In its last issue, 'Mardom Emruz' published a photo of American actor George Clooney on the front page holding a sign that read 'I am Charlie.' Hamid Rasayi, a member of the Iranian parliament, announced the preparation of a proposal that would ban individuals from writing if their media is repeatedly suspended due to insults to sacred beliefs. The newspaper Shargh, on February 21, linked this proposal to the suspension of 'Mardom Emruz' under the editorship of Mohammad Ghouchani. The suspension of 'Mardom Emruz' marks the eighth suspension in the career of Mohammad Ghouchani, who previously edited the newspapers Shargh, Etemad Melli, and Ham-Mihan. Prior to the suspension of 'Mardom Emruz', the newspaper 'Roozan' was suspended on Tuesday, December 23, by the order of the Tehran prosecutor. Following the suspension of this newspaper, Yaghma Fakhshami, a political journalist for 'Roozan', was arrested and sent to Evin Prison on Wednesday, December 24. In its issue on Saturday, December 20, 'Roozan' published articles commemorating the late Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri, featuring his photo on the front page with the headline 'A Different Jurist.'