Tehran Prosecutor Announces Indictment Against Journalist Abroad

The Tehran Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor's Office announced the issuance of eight indictments related to security issues. According to reports from Mizan News Agency and ISNA, Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi stated in the tenth meeting of the Tehran Prosecutor's Deputy Council held on September 17 that one of these indictments is "related to one of the anti-revolutionary defendants residing abroad whose case will be heard in the Tehran Revolutionary Court." The Tehran prosecutor did not name this journalist but stated that this defendant is "the host of anti-security programs against Iran" and the director of an institute known as the "Center for Iranian and Arab Studies." It seems that Mr. Dolatabadi is referring to Alireza Nourizadeh, a London-based journalist and director of the "Center for Iranian and Arab Studies." Mr. Nourizadeh expressed his surprise at this news in an interview with Radio Farda, stating that he has no information regarding such an indictment. He remarked that this news is a "bad sign" for journalists active abroad. The director of the "Center for Iranian and Arab Studies" emphasized that "the issuance of an indictment against me after 37 years of journalism and working in the media abroad can be very concerning, as it may be the tip of the iceberg and a precursor to a series of similar indictments against journalists abroad, and on the other hand, the regime feels very weak and wants to silence journalists with intimidation." Mr. Nourizadeh responded to the question of whether the indictment has been communicated to him, stating that "the indictment has not been communicated to him and he is an absent defendant; if a ruling is issued, it will be in absentia. However, I wish it had been communicated to him so he could respond through a lawyer." He explained the work of the "Center for Iranian and Arab Studies," saying, "This center is a research and academic institution that has been active for 33 years. It publishes scientific journals and conducts research activities about Iran and is in contact with other research institutions worldwide." Regarding the legal nature of this center, Mr. Nourizadeh stated that this center and the "Iran Farda TV" institution are private, and the identity of its investors is clear, and anyone can know how their costs are covered. When asked if the issuance of the indictment could possibly be due to the publication of materials by this center, he stated that he believes "the issuance of this indictment is more due to media work because I am also the director of Media Liberty, under which Iran Farda TV operates." He commented on the potential consequences and impact of such an indictment on journalists, stating, "Naturally, my generation does not fear such an indictment. However, this pressure can scare the younger generation of journalists and force them into self-censorship."