USA: Corruption and Abuse of Power Thrive Where Free and Independent Presses Are Suppressed

The U.S. State Department issued a statement on the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, emphasizing the United States' commitment to 'open and free press around the world' and calling for global condemnation of 'crimes against journalists.' The United States urged the global community to unite in holding accountable those who perpetrate violence, harassment, and intimidation against media personnel. According to data from the Committee to Protect Journalists, more than 350 journalists have been killed since the United Nations General Assembly designated the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists in December 2014. The U.S. government believes that corruption and abuse of power thrive where free and independent presses are suppressed. Violence, fabricated arrests, harassment, and intimidation against media personnel have tangible harm both to individuals and to society as a whole. The United States calls on governments worldwide to prosecute those responsible for crimes against journalists so they can continue their important work in shedding light on the truth without fear of violence or harassment. United Nations member states designated November 2 as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists in 2013 in response to the rising violence against journalists worldwide. The Committee to Protect Journalists named the Islamic Republic of Iran as 'the world's worst jailer of journalists' in 2022. The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders has stated that the Iranian government must stop the widespread harassment of human rights defenders and journalists. A new wave of censorship in cyberspace has seen the judiciary deem 'any content' that supports Israel as a 'crime.' The response of the spouse of journalist Elahe Mohammadi to the judiciary's media documentary indicated that 'instead of a judge of appeal, they have issued a final ruling.' The International Federation of Journalists condemned the prison sentences for Niloufar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi. Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of imprisoned journalists Niloufar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi. The UN Special Rapporteur urged the Islamic Republic to accept his recommendations instead of denying the realities. Reactions to the prison sentences for 'truth tellers' indicate that the Islamic Republic will not see 'the next six to seven years.' The sentences announced in one case include Niloufar Hamedi: 13 years in prison, 7 of which are enforceable; Elahe Mohammadi: 12 years in prison, 6 of which are enforceable.