Tehran Journalists' Guild Expresses Concern Over the Dire State of Journalism in Iran

The Tehran Journalists' Guild issued a statement on the occasion of Journalist Day, expressing concern over the dire and complicated state of professional journalism in Iran and urging the government not to weaken the 'watchdog against corruption.' The statement reads: 'In the past year, especially following the events of 2022, government institutions have repeatedly placed part of the blame for the problems that have arisen on official media and news disseminators, without any objective or rational basis. Official and unofficial pressures, a pessimistic view of media performance, summons, arrests, repeated interrogations, and the imposition of repetitive charges indicate that professional journalism in Iran is in a complicated and dire situation.' The guild also expressed regret over the accusations against journalists Elahe Mohammadi and Niloufar Hamedi by the judiciary spokesperson, stating: 'The judiciary spokesperson recently announced that these two journalists were not arrested for publishing reports related to the death of Mahsa Amini and promised that a report on their collaboration with the U.S. government would be published soon, which raises suspicions and concerns among families and the journalism community.' The guild emphasized that the media institution is currently the only entity that can act as a 'watchdog' against corruption with minimal cost and maximum efficiency and combat the significant corruption of the state and semi-state economy. It added: 'It seems that journalism in Iran is trapped in an official view that sees it not as a main pillar of democracy and the fight against corruption and a driving force for development, but rather as a disruptor of the favorable environment for power holders and as being dependent on foreigners or sympathetic to foreigners, causing tension in society.' The Tehran Journalists' Guild further stated: 'The lack of understanding of the difference between official media and state media has led to enormous budget amounts being spent on state media that do not play any role other than creating social divides and providing grounds for further corruption, and most importantly, creating a basis for the self-deception of government officials. Therefore, until the government changes its view on the necessity and obligation of the presence of independent non-state media, there will be no bright prospect for changing this situation.' Elahe Mohammadi, a journalist for the 'Ham Mihan' newspaper, and Niloufar Hamedi, a journalist for the 'Shargh' newspaper, were arrested after publishing reports about the death of Mahsa Amini, and this arrest continues. These two journalists, after two court sessions, while emphasizing their innocence and performing their professional duties, are awaiting the court's verdict. A review of the Islamic Republic's dark record on a day it calls 'Journalist Day' and the 'showy tribute' to 'loyal' journalists; independent journalists are in detention or under pressure. More than 100 Iranian journalists are in detention; Raisi: We guarantee freedom of expression and the pen. The U.S.: The trial of Elahe and Niloufar is a blatant attempt by the Islamic Republic to intimidate journalists. The U.S. is monitoring the conditions of imprisoned Iranian journalists; the world is witnessing human rights violations in Iran. The International Press Club of America awarded Niloufar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi. The International Federation of Journalists: Free Niloufar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi. All charges dismissed in court; Elahe Mohammadi: I am proud to have stood with the people. Niloufar Hamedi in court: I am proud of my performance as a journalist.