Iran: journalists threatened by prison authorities
Women journalists among the first to cover Mahsa Amini’s death have received further restrictions whilst imprisoned.
The National Union of Journalists has joined the International Federation of Journalists in condemning restrictions imposed by prison authorities on Elaheh Mohammadi, Niloofar Hamedi and Nasim Soltan Beigi. The three journalists are among several prevented from making telephone calls or receiving visitors at Evin prison following their chants about “unfair sentences” during a visit by judicial authorities on 27 December. There is now concern the reporters threatened in recent weeks, could be transferred to remote prisons or have their prison terms increased.
In October 2023, Mohammadi was sentenced to six years in prison, with Hamedi sentenced to seven years by the Revolutionary court. Both journalists received an additional five year sentence for “acting against the national security.” The NUJ and IFJ are calling for the release of all journalists wrongly imprisoned in Iran.
Anthony Bellanger, IFJ general secretary, says:
“The escalating suppression of the media, along with the ongoing arrest of journalists and heightened pressure on media professionals, is a growing concern. The crackdown on the media in the country is raising alarms about a severe infringement on the free flow of information. This must stop now. All journalists unfairly being held behind bars should be released immediately.”