Iran: Women Press Freedom Welcomes Acquittal of Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi on “Collusion” Charges
Journalists still await decisions on other charges which carry potential 6 to 7-year prison sentences
Location: Iran, Tehran
Date: July 3, 2024Updated: August 10, 2024
Women Press Freedom welcomes the court's ruling to exonerate Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi on allegations of colluding with external entities. These courageous journalists were instrumental in bringing global attention to the tragic death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of Iran's morality police, igniting the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement and nationwide protests. Despite being released on bail after enduring a year in prison for their coverage of Amini's case, Hamedi and Mohammadi continue to face uncertainty as they await the final verdict on their appeal seven months after their trial. The looming threat of re-imprisonment, with their original harsh sentences of 12 and 13 years now reduced to 6 and 7 years respectively, remains a grave concern. While we commend the court for their acquittal, we strongly condemn the ongoing persecution and legal harassment by Iranian authorities. We call for the immediate and full exoneration of Hamedi and Mohammadi from all remaining unfounded charges.
On August 10, 2024, journalists Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi were cleared of the accusation of "collaborating with a hostile foreign state" by Iranian courts. Despite this, their original five-year imprisonment sentences for different violations remain in effect. Hamedi and Mohammadi were individually sentenced to five years in prison for collusion and plotting against state security, along with one-year terms for disseminating propaganda against the Islamic Republic.
Following more than a year in detention, Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi were granted bail of 10 billion tomans (approximately 200,000 euros) on January 14 after their appeals trials. Despite their release, a cloud of uncertainty persists as they await the outcome of their appeal. Initially, conflicting reports arose regarding the rationale behind their release, but Iran's judiciary later clarified through its press agency that it was a temporary measure pending the appeal decision.
For the past seven months, the journalists have been in a state of limbo, awaiting a definitive date for the court's decision. The persistent specter of re-imprisonment, with prior severe sentences of 12 and 13 years now reduced to six and seven years, continues to haunt Hamedi and Mohammadi and their families.
While Hamedi has returned to work at Shargh Daily, Mohammadi has refrained from journalism activities amid fears of potential re-imprisonment. The risk has forced the journalists to self-censor to avoid further charges, including accusations of not wearing hijab upon their release, as documented by Women Press Freedom in January.
Since September 2022, when they were the first journalists to report on the death of Kurdish student Mahsa Amini in police custody, Hamedi and Mohammadi's commitment to informing the public has exacted a heavy toll, resulting in their arrests. Convicted in 2023 on multiple charges, they are now serving the lengthiest sentence permissible under Iran's penal code. Following the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom protest movement, 87 journalists have been detained, with 11 remaining in prison.
Women Press Freedom stands in unwavering solidarity with Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi. While we welcome their acquittal of “collusion” charges, we voice profound concern over their plight, highlighting that genuine freedom remains out of reach until the Iranian justice system lifts the threat of re-imprisonment and clears them of all other unjust convictions. We call upon the Iranian government to overturn the journalists' remaining sentences, enabling them to return to their lives and professional endeavors without fear.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
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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