Salehi has brought attention to numerous irregularities in the legal process, notably the denial of her right to a retrial.

Location: Iran, Tehran

Date: April 22, 2024

Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Parisa Salehi, who has been summoned to the Karaj Justice Department to begin serving a 5-month prison sentence. Initially sentenced to one year in prison, along with a two-year travel ban, a two-year prohibition from online activities, and two years of exile to Zanjan in February, Salehi's case highlights the unjust actions taken against journalists in Iran. We strongly denounce the Iranian regime for its egregious violations of media freedom, holding the unenviable position as the foremost jailer of journalists globally. It is crucial for the international community to prioritize the cases of journalists when engaging with Iran. We call for the immediate release and unconditional exoneration of all imprisoned journalists.

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In a social media update, Parisa Salehi disclosed: "I was notified yesterday to report to the 7th Branch of Karaj Execution of Sentences within the next five days to begin serving the sentence."

In February, Salehi was initially handed a one-year prison term along with a two-year travel ban, a two-year prohibition from online activities, and two years of exile to Zanjan.

The verdict was issued by the head of the first branch of the Karaj Revolutionary Court on charges of "propaganda against the Islamic Republic."

Despite her one-year prison sentence being reduced to 5 months in the appeals court, the additional penalties imposed by the court were upheld throughout the appeals process.

Salehi has highlighted several irregularities in the legal proceedings, including the denial of her right to a retrial.

Since the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in September 2022, Iran has faced nationwide defiance. Women Press Freedom has been actively monitoring and consistently documenting the regime's violations against journalists. 

Women Press Freedom stands firmly in solidarity with Parisa Salehi. We vehemently denounce the unjust 5-month prison sentence she has received, which highlights the unfair treatment of journalists in Iran. We condemn the Iranian regime for its grave violations of media freedom, as it leads as the primary jailer of journalists globally. We call on the international community to prioritize the cases of journalists in their interactions with Iran and urge for the immediate release and unconditional exoneration of all imprisoned journalists.

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