Iran: Three Prominent Journalists Face Additional Sentences on Bogus Charges
Narges Mohammadi, Niloofar Hamedi, and Elahe Mohammadi targeted with further prison sentences on false charges
Location: Iran, Tehran
Date: January 15, 2024
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom vehemently denounces the Iranian regime's additional punitive sentences against Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Narges Mohammadi and journalists Niloofar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi. These charges are baseless and represent a blatant attack on freedom of expression and human rights. Narges Mohammadi, an unwavering advocate for women's and human rights, has been unfairly sentenced to an additional 15 months in prison. Post-release, she faces draconian restrictions, including two years of exile, a travel ban, a prohibition on joining social-political groups, and a ban on using a smartphone. These punishments are clearly retaliatory, aimed at silencing her influential voice and activism. Similarly, journalists Niloofar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi, known for their courageous reporting on Mahsa Amini's death in morality police custody, face new charges under the oppressive "Chastity and Hijab Law." This action, symbolic of their resistance to unjust laws, has now led to their imminent return to prison. We demand that the Iranian government immediately cease its repressive tactics and stop criminalizing journalism. The use of legal proceedings as a tool to punish journalists for exercising their fundamental rights to free speech and information dissemination is unacceptable. We urge the international community to continue its efforts pressuring the regime to release all journalists.
Following their release on heavy bail, journalists Niloofar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi, who were instrumental in reporting on the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police, have been charged with new offenses by the Iranian regime. These charges stem from their alleged failure to wear their hijabs properly the day after their release. As a reprisal for their choice not to wear a headscarf upon their release, the women will be returned to prison one week later.
Additionally, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Narges Mohammadi was sentenced to an additional 15 months in prison. Following her release, she will also face two years of exile, a two-year travel ban, a two-year ban on joining social-political groups, and a two-year ban on using a smartphone. These charges were brought against her for advocating human and women's rights from inside prison, including her support for the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement.
Mohammadi refused to attend the trial, which took place on December 19, 2023, at Branch 26 of Iran's Revolutionary Court in Tehran, citing the political nature of the charges and the denial of due process. She has spent most of the past 12 years in prison on fabricated political charges and has faced multiple convictions, resulting in imprisonment, lashes, travel bans, exile, and various social and political restrictions.
These three women journalists are among many civil society members who have been imprisoned since September 2022 for criticizing the state's repressive policies or advocating for women's rights. The Iranian government consistently violates human rights, particularly freedom of expression, with little tolerance, especially towards women.
CFWIJ has been closely monitoring the climate of dissent in Iran. We have documented alarming levels of press freedom violations, which have seen a significant increase following the eruption of nationwide protests. Those who dare speak truth to power can face fines, arrests, or imprisonment. Currently, there are 42 women journalists behind bars in Iran.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Narges Mohammadi, Niloofar Hamedi, and Elahe Mohammadi. We strongly urge the Iranian government to cease its oppressive tactics and halt the use of criminal procedures to punish journalists for exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of speech and the dissemination of vital information in the public interest. We urgently call upon the international community to take immediate action and engage with Iran to secure the release of detained journalists.
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 women 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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