The tragic death of a 16-year-old at the hands of morality police echoes Mahsa Amini's ordeal

Location: Iran, Tehran
Date: October 29, 2023

Negar Ostad Agha, a prominent journalist and senior editor at Etemad Online, was detained while reporting on the funeral of 16-year-old Armita Geravand. Geravand's death, a tragic consequence of an encounter with Tehran's morality police, has stirred fresh outrage, drawing parallels to the case of Mahsa Amini, whose death in custody sparked nationwide protests last year.was arrested while reporting on the funeral of 16-year-old The Coalition For Women In Journalism expresses unwavering support for Negar Ostad Agha. We strongly denounce her arbitrary detention and demand her immediate release.  

Negar Ostad Agha, a senior editor with Etemad Online, was apprehended amidst a heavy security presence at the funeral of 16-year-old Armita Geravand. The teenager died tragically after falling into a coma following an alleged assault by the country's morality police for not wearing a headscarf while riding the Tehran Metro on October 1. Agha’s detention is the latest in a series of crackdowns on independent journalism in Iran, spotlighting the government's relentless efforts to silence dissenting voices.

Geravand's death has reignited public fury over Iran's strict hijab laws, especially following the recent implementation of harsher penalties for non-compliance. The so-called "hijab bill," passed in September, has been a focal point of widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally. This incident underscores the perilous environment for women in Iran, where defiance of strict dress codes can lead to dire consequences.

The anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death was marked just weeks ago, a reminder of the perils faced by those who challenge the morality police. Amini's death catalyzed one of the largest nationwide demonstrations in Iran's recent history, highlighting the deep-seated unrest against the regime's oppressive policies.

During Geravand's funeral, which witnessed a heavy security presence, several mourners were also arrested, according to news reports. Seven other Iranian journalists were summoned to Tehran's Media Court for their coverage of the funeral. Authorities have not disclosed the reason for Agha's detention or the potential charges against her. She is currently being held at Gharchak Prison. 

On October 1, CFWIJ documented that journalist Maryam Lotfi, who covered the metro incident involving Geravand and her hospitalization, was arrested.

Lotfi's and Agha's arrests and the continued crackdown on journalists and independent voices in Iran highlight the government's determination to suppress dissent and control the narrative. As the international community closely monitors the situation, it is imperative that Iranian authorities respect press freedom and uphold the rights of journalists to report without fear of reprisal.

Iran currently holds the dubious distinction of being the world's worst jailer of journalists, as documented by CFWIJ. The Iranian government detained at least 95 journalists following the nationwide protests in September 2022. While some have been released on bail, others await trial or summons to serve multi-year sentences.

The world is watching, and it is crucial that Iran takes steps towards fostering a climate of openness, transparency, and respect for freedom of expression. Only then can the nation truly progress and engage in meaningful dialogue with its citizens and the global community.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism strongly supports Negar Ostad Agha and all journalists who are unjustly arrested and detained for carrying out their professional responsibilities. We vehemently condemn these direct assaults on the freedom of the press and the undermining of democratic values. We demand the immediate release of Agha and all imprisoned journalists in Iran. It is crucial for the international community to take prompt action and not passively observe these violations.

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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