Iran: Imprisoned Kurdish Journalist Pakhshan Azizi Denied Contact with Family
Azizi is enduring an unfair imprisonment based on accusations of "rebellion". She has already spent 347 days behind bars
Location: Iran, Tehran
Date: July 16, 2024
Women Press Freedom expresses unwavering solidarity with Kurdish journalist Pakhshan Azizi, who is currently held in Evin prison without contact with her family for two weeks. Azizi has been detained for 347 days on "rebellion" charges, accusing the journalist of belonging to opposition groups. We strongly condemn the mistreatment of journalists serving unjust sentences and demand that Azizi be allowed to communicate with her family and be fully exonerated. The Iranian authorities must cease their violations of press freedom and human rights. Independent journalism is not a crime but a crucial public service and a pillar of democracy. We demand that all imprisoned journalists in Iran be promptly released. Furthermore, we urge the international community to prioritize discussions on journalists' cases when engaging with Iran.
Pakhshan Azizi, a Kurdish journalist and political prisoner, has been deprived of contact with her family for the past fourteen days within the confines of Iran's notorious Evin prison.
Currently detained on charges of "rebellion," Azizi has been barred from engaging in both phone conversations and in-person visitations, exacerbating the isolation she endures behind bars.
According to a source close to Azizi's family, all attempts toget in touch with her through phone calls or physical visits have been denied.
Azizi has been detained for 347 days following allegations of "rebellion" levied against her by Branch 5 of the Evin Security Prosecutor's Office, accusing her of "membership in opposition groups.”
Iranian Intelligence authorities arrested Azizi on August 4, 2023, in Tehran's Kharazi town.
Initially confined within Ward 209 of Evin Prison, a notorious enclave housing detainees of the Iranian Intelligence Service, Azizi was subsequently relocated to the women's ward on December 11, 2023.
Azizi was first arrested in 2009 when she was covering a demonstration led by Kurdish students at Tehran University, protesting the execution of political dissidents in Kurdistan.
Following her release in 2010, Azizi made the decision to depart Iran in response to relentless intimidation and harassment from intelligence agencies.
Women Press Freedom has been vigilantly observing and documenting the environment of dissent in Iran. Our records reveal concerning occurrences of press freedom infringements, particularly intensifying since the eruption of nationwide protests following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of Iran's morality police. People who courageously oppose authority encounter repercussions, arrests, and imprisonment. It is distressing that Iran currently holds 43 women journalists in detention, positioning it as the primary jailer of media workers.
Women Press Freedom stands united in solidarity with Pakhshan Azizi. We vehemently denounce the unfounded accusations, unjust incarceration, and ill-treatment she has endured. We call for her prompt release and complete acquittal. The Iranian government must put an end to its violations of press freedom and human rights. Independent journalism is fundamental to democracy and must not be unjustly targeted. We urge the international community to prioritize the cases of journalists in their engagements with Iran. These violations must not be allowed to persist.
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