Iran: Documentarian Mojgan Ilanlou Faces Second Arrest, Released on Bail Within 24 Hours

The Coalition For Women In Journalism welcomes Ilanlou's release from prison, calls on global community to pressure Iran to cease repeated harassment of journalists

Location: Iran, Tehran
Date: August 20, 2023

Documentary filmmaker and advocate for women's rights, Mojgan Ilanlou, was apprehended in Tehran on Sunday and held for 24 hours, before being released on Monday evening. This marks Ilanlou's second arrest since women-led protests erupted in Iran, despite being granted amnesty in February. The Coalition For Women In Journalism welcomes the release of Mojgan Ilanlou from prison. However, we are increasingly alarmed by repeated detentions and re-arrests of Iranian women journalists. We call on the international community to intervene and pressure the Iranian regime to cease harassing the press and release all incarcerated journalists without condition. 

On Sunday, August 20, Iranian filmmaker Mojgan Illanlou was arrested and moved to Evin Prison following a summons from Tehran's intelligence police, according to multiple news reports. After being detained for a period of 24 hours, she was released on bail.

This is Ilanlou's second arrest. She was first arrested in October 2022 during the initial stages of "Woman Life Freedom" protests for publicly removing her veil and sharing photographs of this act on social media. In response, she faced severe consequences, including a 10-year prison sentence, 75 lashes, a work ban, and a travel restriction. However, the collective pressure from the local cinema community ultimately led to her release in February under the Supreme Leader's amnesty for thousands of prisoners. 

Ilanlou, a renowned filmmaker with a diverse body of work, is recognized for her impactful filmography that sheds light on women's issues in Iran. Ilanlou's latest film, "One Thousand Women," delves into the aspirations of young Iranian women as they strive to participate in the man-dominated sport of wrestling.

The International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (ICFR) and its founding institutions, have voiced profound concern regarding Ilanlou's arrest. Although her subsequent release is acknowledged, it is seen as yet another manifestation of the oppressive tactics employed by the regime.

Michael Downey, co-founder of ICFR, issued a statement shortly after Ilanlou's release, emphasizing the significance of her arrest. "The arrest is perceived as a clear signal that the regime is closely monitoring any form of dissent, and that anyone within the community could be targeted at any given moment," said Downey.

Persistent Detentions: Iran's Preferred Method to Silence Free Press

Regrettably, journalists and independent media in Iran endure persistent persecution, characterized by arbitrary arrests and disproportionately severe sentences resulting from deeply unfair trials conducted within revolutionary courts.

Ilanlou's repeated detention is widely perceived as indicative of Iran's Islamic Regime intensifying its efforts to suppress the "Woman Life Freedom" movement as it nears its one-year anniversary. 

The recurrent arrests of journalists seem to be the regime's primary tool for suppressing free press and quelling media coverage of the ongoing unrest in the country. 

Kurdish journalist Nazila Maroofian has been taken into custody three times by authorities after receiving a summons to the Evin Prosecutor's Office in Tehran. CFWIJ is closely monitoring Maroofian's disconcerting situation. Following her initial arrest in October 2022, she has endured a relentless campaign of legal harassment, as well as mental and physical abuse inflicted by the authorities. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism offers its unwavering support to Mojgan Ilanlou and welcomes her release from prison. Nonetheless, increasing concerns arise from the repeated detentions and re-arrests endured by Iranian women journalists. We vehemently condemn the oppressive tactics utilized by the regime to suppress freedom of expression. We urgently call upon the international community to take immediate action, urging Iran to cease its harassment of the press and release all incarcerated journalists unconditionally.

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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