U.S. Honors Iranian Journalists on World Press Freedom Day: Journalism is Not a Crime

On May 3rd (14 Ordibehesht), coinciding with World Press Freedom Day, the United States once again honored Iranian journalists, including Niloufar Hamedi, Elahe Mohammadi, and Nazila Maroufian. The Persian account of the U.S. State Department posted on platform X, referencing the coverage of various events by journalists, stated: 'In an era filled with misinformation, the existence of reliable information is more important than ever for the people.' The U.S. State Department further emphasized: 'Journalism is not a crime, not here, not there, not anywhere in the world.' The U.S. diplomatic apparatus then pointed to the pressures from the Islamic Republic on journalists 'to not report the truths as they are,' adding: 'Despite the regime's efforts, the courage of journalists like Niloufar Hamedi, Elahe Mohammadi, and Nazila Maroufian is what enlightens Iranians.' The U.S. State Department concluded by stating: 'We commend these journalists and all journalists around the world who report under difficult conditions. The world needs you now more than ever.' The Midpoint Journalism School, in its latest annual report on the increase in the repression of journalists, announced that the coverage of hijab-related news, voter participation in elections, and criticism of the government are the main reasons for the pressure on journalists in 1402 (2023). Midpoint, which focuses on journalism education, identified 226 cases of repression against journalists and media, including 102 arrests or trials, 42 summons or complaints, and 144 cases through judicial actions. However, the repressive practices of the Islamic Republic against Iranian journalists have not been limited to within the country. Following leaked documents during the hacking of the Iranian judiciary by the 'Justice Ali' hacking group, evidence has emerged of fabricated cases against several journalists from Voice of America and other media outlets, with prison sentences being sent to the execution branch of the Tehran Culture and Media Prosecutor's Office. According to a document released during the hacking of judicial documents, cases against several journalists working in the Persian section of Voice of America, Radio Farda, BBC, Manoto, and Iran International were sent in Ordibehesht 1401 (April-May 2022) with the announced punishment of 'prison sentences' for 'propaganda against the regime.' World Press Freedom Day in Iran is overshadowed by monopoly and threats; from the 'hostage-taking' of a newsroom to increased pressure on journalists. The 'Iran Watch' website has been filtered; the site's manager stated: filtering is done in 'Abaravan.' Keyvan Rahimi, the manager of the Telegram channel 'Persman Saqez,' has been arrested again. Parisa Salehi, a journalist and student, stated before being transferred to prison: 'Attachment to Iran is not a crime.' The Tehran prosecutor has filed charges against a journalist for publishing a video of people's reactions to the death sentence issued for Tomaj Salehi. The uncertainty continues for Mehdi Afshar Nik, a jailed journalist and filmmaker; the prosecutor is preventing bail. Parisa Salehi has been summoned to serve her prison sentence.