Iran: Women Press Freedom Condemns the Summoning of Niloofar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi to Begin Their Prison Sentences
October 13, 2024 - Iran, Tehran
Women Press Freedom condemns the alarming violation of press freedom represented by the summoning of journalists Niloofar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi to begin their five-year prison sentences in the Islamic Republic. The recent announcement by Asghar Jahangir, spokesperson for Iran's judiciary, regarding their sentences—one year for propaganda against the state and five years for assembly and collusion against national security—highlights the ongoing repression of independent journalism in Iran.
We are particularly concerned that Hamedi and Mohammadi have been subjected to such harsh penalties for exercising their rights as journalists, especially following their reporting on the tragic death of Mahsa Amini. Their work is a testament to the critical role that journalists play in fostering transparency and accountability, and yet they have been unjustly punished for it.
Hamedi's legal team has rightly pointed out that she qualifies for amnesty under Iranian law, yet a new enforcement order has been issued that undermines this provision. Such actions not only violate the principles of justice but also illustrate the Iranian regime's broader strategy to silence dissent and intimidate those who seek to uphold truth.
Moreover, we express our solidarity with both journalists, who had previously spent nearly 400 days in detention before being released on bail, as we have documented. The ongoing persecution of Hamedi and Mohammadi is emblematic of the systemic suppression of press freedom in Iran.
Women Press Freedom calls for the immediate halt of these sentences and urges the Iranian authorities to respect the rights of journalists. We demand the release and full exoneration of Niloofar Hamedi, Elahe Mohammadi, and all journalists unjustly imprisoned in Iran. It is crucial for the international community to stand together in defending press freedom and to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its violations of human rights.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the detention of Halk TV journalist Seda Selek.
Journalist and Siirt Municipality Co-Mayor Sofya Alağaş has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison on charges of "membership in a terrorist organization."
Five police officers detained Exitosa Noticias's Fátima Constantino while she was reporting on traffic chaos in Chiclayo.
WPF denounces the Delhi court’s order for police to officially investigate Washington Post journalist Rana Ayyub, potentially leading to further legal action against her.
Gisella Bayona is facing identity theft—imposters solicit money & contacts in her name. Bayona reported the case to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, but no action has been taken.
Medya Haber journalist Eylem Babayiğit detained after a raid on her home in Istanbul.
WPF demands the immediate release of ETHA reporter Züleyha Müldür, detained during widespread police raids this morning.
Police detain 6 Kurdish journalists following raids. Three women journalists Reyhan Hacıoğlu (Van), Rahime Karvar and Necla Demir were later arrested on terror-related charges.
WPF celebrates the release of Palestinian journalists Bushra Al-Taweel and Rula Hassanein as part of the first phase of the Hamas-Israel ceasefire deal.
Palestinian Authority security forces detain Al-Jazeera journalist Givara Budeiri and her cameraperson while reporting live outside Israel’s Ofer prison.
Women Press Freedom welcomes the decision of Paris' anti-terrorism judges not to indict Disclose journalist Ariane Lavrilleux.
Ministry of Internal Affairs issue an arrest warrant for exiled journalist Alesya Marokhovskaya, chief editor of the independent investigative outlet IStories
Russian drone targets journalist Margarita Potapova and her Ukrainian Witness film crew near Zaporizhzhia.
Voice of America reporter Ulviyya Ali has been banned from travel after police interrogation over the MeydanTV case—despite having no ties to the outlet.
WPF strongly condemns the legal harassment of journalist Anna Nini and Press Project publisher Konstantinos Poulis for their coverage of a high-profile trial in Greece.
Israeli airstrike kills journalist and photographer Ahlam Al Nafed while she was walking to Al Shifa Hospital on January 14, 2025.
Police in Mersin beat and obstruct Fatoş Sarıkaya from filming, throwing her press card to the ground.
Mzia Amaghlobeli was detained twice in Batumi—first for posting a strike sticker, then during a protest. She’s now accused of assaulting a police chief, a charge carrying 4-7 years imprisonment
Four men, claiming to be police, abducted the journalist, restrained her, seized her phones, and demanded access to her accounts. She was held for four hours before being released.
Khanum Mustafayeva was barred from leaving Azerbaijan without explanation. Authorities at Baku airport cited a travel ban by the Ministry of Internal Affairs but gave no reasons.
Le Monde journalist faced a wave of online abuse, including sexist and anti-Semitic threats, following false accusations that she intruded on the funeral of a far-right leader - Jean-Marie Le Pen.
Three journalists were physically attacked while covering the tragic stabbing death of a 14-year-old teenager in Evreux.
Greek courts have upheld the conviction of Kurdish journalist Berçem Mordeniz, rejecting her appeal and sentencing her to seven months in prison, which was suspended.
Joanna Barboza was attacked while covering a protest in Zulia. During nationwide protests against Maduro’s re-election, security forces detained four journalists and assaulted six others.
Politician’s reckless rhetoric has fueled a wave of misogynistic and attacks against Giraldo on social media.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom welcome the release of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala from detention in Iran.
Alona Bereza of ZHAR.INFO received emails threatening to bomb her editorial office.
An unnamed woman journalist from the "Jewish Forum for Democracy and Against Anti-Semitism" (JFDA) was assaulted in Berlin-Kreuzberg.
WPF celebrates the release of Ana da Silva Miguel (also known as Neth Nahara), the popular influencer jailed for criticizing President João Lourenço on TikTok.
Natuza Nery attacked in a São Paulo supermarket by civil police officer.
