Iran: Women Press Freedom Condemns the Summoning of Niloofar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi to Begin Their Prison Sentences
October 13, 2024 - Iran, Tehran
Women Press Freedom condemns the alarming violation of press freedom represented by the summoning of journalists Niloofar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi to begin their five-year prison sentences in the Islamic Republic. The recent announcement by Asghar Jahangir, spokesperson for Iran's judiciary, regarding their sentences—one year for propaganda against the state and five years for assembly and collusion against national security—highlights the ongoing repression of independent journalism in Iran.
We are particularly concerned that Hamedi and Mohammadi have been subjected to such harsh penalties for exercising their rights as journalists, especially following their reporting on the tragic death of Mahsa Amini. Their work is a testament to the critical role that journalists play in fostering transparency and accountability, and yet they have been unjustly punished for it.
Hamedi's legal team has rightly pointed out that she qualifies for amnesty under Iranian law, yet a new enforcement order has been issued that undermines this provision. Such actions not only violate the principles of justice but also illustrate the Iranian regime's broader strategy to silence dissent and intimidate those who seek to uphold truth.
Moreover, we express our solidarity with both journalists, who had previously spent nearly 400 days in detention before being released on bail, as we have documented. The ongoing persecution of Hamedi and Mohammadi is emblematic of the systemic suppression of press freedom in Iran.
Women Press Freedom calls for the immediate halt of these sentences and urges the Iranian authorities to respect the rights of journalists. We demand the release and full exoneration of Niloofar Hamedi, Elahe Mohammadi, and all journalists unjustly imprisoned in Iran. It is crucial for the international community to stand together in defending press freedom and to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its violations of human rights.
WPF strongly condemns Russia for the killing of Ukrainian journalist Tetyana Kulyk in a drone strike. She is the 10th woman journalist murdered by Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
WPF condemns the arrest of journalist Elif Akgül. Criminalizing journalism under the guise of security concerns is an attack on press freedom.
WPF is deeply concerned about the disappearance of British journalist Charlotte Peet. The freelance correspondent, who has reported for Al Jazeera and The Times, went missing after arriving in São Paulo.
WPF condemns the violent attack on journalist María Fernanda Martínez by supporters of the Libre party in Honduras.
WPF denounces police officers for unjust detentions of journalists and excessive use of force. We demand accountability from authorities.
Kutaisi City Court fines 8 journalists— including Kutaisi Pos' Eka Kukhalashvili, — for protesting outside a judge’s house.
Special operations police violently detain JIN News journalist Öznur Değer after raiding her family home in Kızıltepe, Mardin.
Jahangir has been targeted for her show discussing fake blasphemy accusations used to blackmail people.
Investigative journalist and editor-in-chief of Neovlivní, Sabina Slonková, and her family placed under police protection due to serious threats.
WPF condemns assault on journalist. Demands police take action.
WPF strongly condemns the politically motivated sentencing of journalists Chadha Hadj Mbarek (5 years) and Chahrazad Akacha (27 years in absentia).
WPF strongly condemns the detention of journalist Shahnaz Baylargizi. The latest in the alarming state crackdown on independent media in the country.
On January 30, 2025, police detained Telex journalists Noémi Gombos and Dániel Simor for attempting to question PM Viktor Orbán.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the detention of Halk TV journalist Seda Selek.
Journalist and Siirt Municipality Co-Mayor Sofya Alağaş has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison on charges of "membership in a terrorist organization."
Five police officers detained Exitosa Noticias's Fátima Constantino while she was reporting on traffic chaos in Chiclayo.
WPF strongly denounces the deportation of the award-winning journalist. Demands answers from Maltese authorities.
WPF denounces the Delhi court’s order for police to officially investigate Washington Post journalist Rana Ayyub, potentially leading to further legal action against her.
Gisella Bayona is facing identity theft—imposters solicit money & contacts in her name. Bayona reported the case to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, but no action has been taken.
Medya Haber journalist Eylem Babayiğit detained after a raid on her home in Istanbul.
WPF demands the immediate release of ETHA reporter Züleyha Müldür, detained during widespread police raids this morning.
Police detain 6 Kurdish journalists following raids. Three women journalists Reyhan Hacıoğlu (Van), Rahime Karvar and Necla Demir were later arrested on terror-related charges.
WPF celebrates the release of Palestinian journalists Bushra Al-Taweel and Rula Hassanein as part of the first phase of the Hamas-Israel ceasefire deal.
Palestinian Authority security forces detain Al-Jazeera journalist Givara Budeiri and her cameraperson while reporting live outside Israel’s Ofer prison.
Women Press Freedom welcomes the decision of Paris' anti-terrorism judges not to indict Disclose journalist Ariane Lavrilleux.
Ministry of Internal Affairs issue an arrest warrant for exiled journalist Alesya Marokhovskaya, chief editor of the independent investigative outlet IStories
Russian drone targets journalist Margarita Potapova and her Ukrainian Witness film crew near Zaporizhzhia.
Voice of America reporter Ulviyya Ali has been banned from travel after police interrogation over the MeydanTV case—despite having no ties to the outlet.
WPF strongly condemns the legal harassment of journalist Anna Nini and Press Project publisher Konstantinos Poulis for their coverage of a high-profile trial in Greece.
Israeli airstrike kills journalist and photographer Ahlam Al Nafed while she was walking to Al Shifa Hospital on January 14, 2025.
