Ghalibaf has been detained twice; it is Faraghdani's third

Location: Iran, Tehran

Date: April 20, 2024

Women Press Freedom unequivocally stands in solidarity with journalist Dina Ghalibaf and renowned cartoonist Atena Faraghdani. The recent transfer of Ghalibaf to the women's ward of Evin Prison, following a series of interrogations stemming from her non-compliance with mandatory hijab regulations, and the violent re-arrest of Faraghdani, which caused her to lose consciousness, are stark reminders of the perilous conditions under which journalists operate within the country. Ghalibaf's reports of sexual assault and mistreatment, alongside Faraghdani’s violent re-arrest, underscore the regime's disregard for human rights and press freedom. Iran's record as the world's leading jailer of journalists is alarming and indicative of a broader crackdown on freedom of expression and opposition. The persistent enforcement of hijab laws, especially amidst widespread resistance, highlights the regime's intent to suppress any form of dissent. These actions violate the fundamental rights of individuals and stifle the critical voices necessary for a functioning society. We vehemently condemn the abuse, detention, and violent tactics employed by Iranian authorities against Ghalibaf and Faraghdani. We demand their immediate release and the cessation of baseless charges against them. Moreover, we call upon the international community to prioritize these cases in their diplomatic engagements with Iran. Protecting journalists and upholding press freedom must be paramount in any discourse on human rights. 

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Atena Faraghdani, an Iranian cartoonist, was violently arrested yet again on April 14, as revealed by her lawyer, Mohammad Moghimi, in a social media statement.

Moghimi disclosed that security forces apprehended Faraghdani while she was attempting to display her cartoons in public. During the arrest, she sustained repeated blows to the head, leading to a nosebleed. Subsequently, she lost consciousness and later found herself detained.

As documented by Women Press Freedom, Faraghdani has been prohibited from publishing her cartoons or organizing any exhibitions. The cartoonist has been charged with offenses including “spreading propaganda against the system” and “blasphemy,” as outlined in the report.

Despite the morality police detaining her twice, and allegedly sexually assaulting the journalist,  Dina Ghalibaf courageously shared her experiences publicly as the presence of patrol vans intensified in Tehran and other urban centers.

Her swift re-arrest, occurring just one day after her first detainment, coincides with the resurgence of the Plan Noor initiative. This initiative has prompted an uptick in hijab enforcement by the morality police, resulting in violent clashes with women who reject the mandatory dress code, highlighting the challenges faced by dissenters.

This renewed enforcement drive follows a directive from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who, in a recent sermon, called for heightened action against activities he deemed as "religious norm-breaking." Khamenei emphasized the religious obligation of wearing the hijab in his address.

The heightened enforcement efforts have led to increased tensions and standoffs in various Iranian cities, indicating a government push to assert control over women's attire. This policy, implemented in 1981 after the Islamic Revolution, has encountered persistent resistance.

Iran has grappled with a nationwide defiance of hijab rules since the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in September 2022. Amini's tragic passing sparked widespread protests, posing the most significant challenge to the regime since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979. 

Women Press Freedom has diligently been monitoring and persistently documenting the regime's transgressions against journalists: Iran currently holds the unenviable position of being the foremost jailer of journalists globally. 

Women Press Freedom firmly stands in solidarity with Dina Ghalibaf and AtenaFaraghdani. We strongly condemn the reported abuse, detention, and violent arrest they endured and urgently call for their immediate release and complete acquittal. We demand that the Iranian authorities stop the unjust imprisonment of journalists and implore the international community to prioritize the cases of journalists in their engagements with Iran. It is incumbent upon all concerned parties to advocate for safeguarding journalists and upholding their fundamental rights in the face of repressive actions.

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The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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