US President Calls for the Release of All Imprisoned Journalists Worldwide on World Press Freedom Day

On Friday, May 3, coinciding with World Press Freedom Day, US President Joe Biden emphasized the necessity of freeing all imprisoned journalists around the world. In a statement, he said, "Journalism should not be a crime anywhere on Earth. On World Press Freedom Day, the United States calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all journalists who are behind bars solely for doing their jobs." He stressed the need to support journalists in all parts of the world, including during military operations, and called for the release of three American journalists imprisoned in Russia and Syria. On May 3, the United States once again honored Iranian journalists, including Niloufar Hamedi, Elaheh Mohammadi, and Nazila Maroufian. The Persian account of the US State Department posted on platform X: "In an era filled with misinformation, the presence of reliable and trustworthy information is more important than ever. We commend these journalists and all journalists who report under difficult conditions worldwide, as the world needs these journalists now more than ever." According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, by the end of last year, 320 journalists had been imprisoned worldwide due to their work, including three American journalists named Evan Gershkovich and Alsou Kurmashova in Russia and Austin Tice in Syria. The Midpoint Journalism School also reported an increase in the repression of journalists in Iran, stating that the Islamic Republic had committed 226 acts of repression against journalists and media in the past year, including 102 arrests or trials, 42 summons or complaints, and 144 judicial actions. The US's recognition of Iranian journalists on World Press Freedom Day emphasizes that journalism is not a crime. The UN reported that 80% of female journalists in Afghanistan have lost their jobs due to restrictions. Hamid Ismailioun stated that Iranian journalists are fighting against medieval laws. The Midpoint report indicated that pressure on journalists in Iran has increased, particularly in rural areas. World Press Freedom Day in Iran is overshadowed by monopoly and threats, from the "kidnapping" of a newsroom to increased pressure on journalists. At least three media activists were summoned regarding comments on the Nika Shakeri case. The US stated that the Islamic Republic is in no position to criticize human rights in the United States.