U.S. State Department Condemns 10-Year Prison Sentence for Reza Valizadeh, Former Radio Farda Journalist

The U.S. Department of State strongly condemned the 10-year prison sentence for Reza Valizadeh, an Iranian-American journalist and former Radio Farda reporter. A spokesperson for the department stated on Tuesday, December 18, in response to Radio Farda, that U.S. officials are aware of the ruling and, while condemning it, called for the immediate release of Mr. Valizadeh and all political prisoners. The U.S. State Department also reminded that the Iranian government continues to suppress media freedom through threats, arrests, forced confessions, and violence against journalists in Iran, urging American citizens not to travel to Iran. Reza Valizadeh was sentenced to 10 years in prison by Judge Iman Afshari and Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, in addition to being banned from residing in Tehran and neighboring provinces, prohibited from leaving the country, and barred from membership in political parties and social groups for two years. Mohammad Hossein Aghasi, Mr. Valizadeh's lawyer, also reported that despite the court ruling, the journalist is being denied transfer to a general ward and free visitation. Reza Valizadeh, who resigned from Radio Farda in November 2022 after 10 years of service, returned to Iran on March 7, 2023, to visit his family after some time abroad and was arrested on October 23 of the current year. Steven Kappes, President and CEO of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, called the ruling against Valizadeh 'unjust' and demanded his swift release. Relatives of Reza Valizadeh told Radio Farda that he fell into a 'security trap,' and although he had been 'promised' by some security forces during contacts that he would not face problems in Iran, he was arrested shortly after returning and faced this heavy sentence. Following the news of Valizadeh's arrest, Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists condemned his detention in separate statements.