Human Rights Watch denounces continued persecution of journalists in Iran

Three Iranian women journalists have again been charged with propaganda against the Iranian state and planning acts against national security, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said. The journalists had previously been released, but HRW urged the Iranian authorities to drop the charges, as it believes there is a severe crackdown on the media in Iran.  

Tara Sepehri Far, Iran researcher for HRW, said the Iranian judiciary is subpoenaing and harassing journalists and human rights defenders, punishing those who refuse to remain silent. Sepehri Far also noted that the Iranian authorities have been relentless in persecuting and punishing those who report on social issues and grievances, especially in the aftermath of protests in the country in recent months.

Journalists Saeideh Shafiei, Mehrnoush Zarei Henzaki and Nasim Sultan Beigi are facing trial before the Revolutionary Court. The charges brought against them, under Articles 500 and 610 of Iran's Islamic Penal Code, could result in up to five years' imprisonment. These articles criminalise propaganda against the state and gathering and conspiring to commit acts against national security. 

The most serious charges, which carry the most severe penalty, were brought against Sultan Beigi. These are based on his collaboration with various domestic and foreign media, as well as his lack of cooperation during interrogation and his promotion of the removal of the hijab (Islamic headscarf).

In September 2022, Iranians protested the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman, in the custody of the "Morality Police", as well as the government's record of repression and impunity. During these protests, the Iranian authorities carried out a crackdown with unconscionable force, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of protesters and the imprisonment of tens of thousands of people, including activists, journalists and human rights defenders. 

In February, the Iranian authorities announced an amnesty that included the release of many detainees, as well as pardons or sentence reductions for those arrested, charged or detained during the protests. However, according to media reports, the Iranian authorities are now summoning several of the newly released activists and protesters, especially journalists. 

As EFE reports, Tara Sepehri Far urged the international community to keep the cases of journalists and human rights defenders at the centre of its engagement with Iran. She also called on countries to demand that Iran drop the charges brought against journalists and other human rights defenders.