UN Experts: Islamic Republic Must Stop Violence and Threats Against Journalists Outside Iran

On Thursday, June 1, UN experts issued a statement calling for the cessation of violence and threats by the Islamic Republic against journalists active outside Iran. The statement condemns the violence, threats, and intimidation against the Persian-language news network Iran International, its journalists, staff, and owner. According to them, such actions are part of a broader pattern of repression against Persian-language media services. The experts expressed concern over death threats and intimidation against Iran International staff, which have increased following a knife attack on journalist Pouria Zareati outside his home in London. The statement continues that such attacks not only violate human rights regarding personal safety and security but are also aimed at suppressing freedom of expression and media, including legitimate criticism of the Iranian government. It mentions that the widespread threats, harassment, and abuse of the media staff on social media by Islamic Republic officials and their representatives are aimed at silencing critical media reports about the Islamic Republic. The experts noted that these threats intensified after the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests spread across Iran, with Persian-language media abroad wrongly accused of inciting unrest. They stated that at least 15 plots by the Islamic Republic to kill or abduct individuals in Britain have been carried out in the last two years. The British counter-terrorism police warned two Iran International staff members, including Mahmoud Enayat, the media director, about imminent death threats, leading to their departure from Britain. Additionally, a murder plot against two presenters of the network, including Ferdad Farahzad, was foiled in November 2023. The statement further mentions that Iran International had to temporarily close its studios in London for six months last year due to threats to its staff, following police recommendations. The experts expressed concern that these attacks and threats could negatively impact journalists inside and outside Iran. They lamented the 'blatant abuse of anti-terrorism laws against journalists, violating freedom of expression, assembly, peaceful association, the right to travel, privacy, family rights, reputation, due process, and judicial measures.' They stated that these threats are part of a pattern of threats and attacks against Persian-language media and dissidents outside Iran, including journalists working for Voice of America and other media. In conclusion, the experts urged the Islamic Republic to refrain from any violence, threats, and intimidation against Iran International and its staff, as well as journalists and staff of other media reporting on the country from abroad, and to investigate and prosecute those responsible for such actions. The British newspaper The Guardian reported on Thursday, April 18, that British counter-terrorism police believe three suspects wanted for the knife attack on Pouria Zareati, an Iranian opposition journalist in London, were Eastern European citizens hired by the Islamic Republic. Pouria Zareati survived a knife attack in the suburbs of London on April 1. He and Iran International, the television network he collaborates with, which had previously been threatened by unknown individuals, hold the Islamic Republic responsible. U.S. officials also believe that the Iranian government uses criminal proxies from Eastern Europe to carry out assassination attempts against opponents. The U.S. Department of Justice published details of a plot to assassinate Masih Alinejad, a human rights activist and presenter of the 'Tablet' program on the Persian section of Voice of America, by the Islamic Republic on U.S. soil in January 2023. At that time, officials from the Department of Justice and the FBI held a press conference announcing that members of an organized crime group based in Eastern Europe were involved in the plot 'to kill an Iranian-American citizen who has publicly opposed the Iranian government.' Reports have indicated an increase in the repression of journalists in Iran, with pressure on local areas intensifying. The global press freedom day in Iran is overshadowed by monopoly and threats, ranging from the 'kidnapping' of a newsroom to increased pressure on journalists. Amnesty International reported that the state of freedom of expression, repression of women, torture, and executions by the Islamic Republic worsened in 2023. Reporters Without Borders stated that the British government should make efforts to protect Iranian journalists in exile. The British police stated they are investigating the connection between the physical attack on Pouria Zareati and his profession.