Tehran, 17 June 2022 (TDI): In a disturbing development, two courageous Iranian journalists, Niloufar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi, have been charged with “conspiring with foreign intelligence agencies to undermine national security” due to their dedicated reporting on the tragic passing of Mahsa Amini.
After enduring eight months of arbitrary detention, Hamedi and Mohammadi faced a trial last month that lacked family presence and denied their lawyers the opportunity to advocate on their behalf.
Niloufar Hamedi’s involvement in Mahsa Amini’s case began with her empathetic conversations with grieving relatives at the hospital, followed by her diligent efforts to raise awareness about the incident through social media channels.
However, her actions were met with adversity. Soon after her visit, Hamedi’s Twitter account was abruptly suspended, and she was confined to solitary confinement within Tehran’s Evin prison.
Similarly, Elaheh Mohammadi, who had traveled to report on Amini’s funeral, found herself incarcerated in Evin shortly thereafter.
“These two exceptional journalists have emerged as symbols of professional journalism in Iran, fearlessly navigating countless restrictions and enduring severe censorship,” expressed Asal, a former reporter at the daily newspaper Shargh, where Hamedi was employed.
“Their imprisonment represents not only the incarceration of two journalists but also the stifling of professional journalism in Iran.”
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, the arrest of Hamedi and Mohammadi represents a fraction of the widespread crackdown on press freedom since the untimely demise of Mahsa Amini. Shockingly, the number of detained journalists has risen to at least ninety-five, underscoring the grave challenges faced by journalists in Iran.
The international community is called upon to raise their voices against this blatant violation of press freedom and the unjust treatment of journalists.
It is imperative to recognize the pivotal role of independent journalism as a cornerstone of any democratic society, fostering the free flow of information and safeguarding human rights. The plight of Hamedi and Mohammadi underscores the urgent need for immediate action to protect journalists, ensuring their safety and well-being.
