Iran: Shireen Saeedi Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for “Conspiring” Against the Regime
Journalist convicted on vague charges after spending almost 6 months in pre-trial detention
Location: Iran, Tehran
Date: May 9, 2024
Women Press Freedom expresses solidarity with Shireen Saeedi, who has been sentenced to five years in prison on charges of "conspiring and assembling against national security." We strongly reject these baseless accusations and call for her immediate release and unconditional exoneration. Saeedi has been in pre-trial detention since December 23, 2023, and is currently awaiting an appeals trial. We vehemently denounce the Iranian regime's deliberate targeting of journalists and urge Iran to halt its suppression of dissent. All imprisoned journalists must be released.
On May 9, 2024, Shireen Saeedi, identified as a political prisoner, was sentenced to a five-year prison term by Judge Abolqasem Salavati of Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court.
The basis for her conviction pertains to charges of “colluding and assembling against national security."
The specific actions that prompted these political accusations have not been disclosed. Saeedi was summoned by judicial authorities on December 23, 2023, and subsequently charged resulting in a lengthy pre-trial detention.
Presently, Saeedi is being held in the Women’s Ward at Evin Prison and is awaiting an appeals trial. She retains the right to lodge an appeal within a 20-day timeframe.
The lack of transparency surrounding Saeedi's arrest and the prolonged pre-trial detention highlight the challenges faced by journalists in Iran. Women Press Freedom raises concerns about several recent press freedom violations in the country:
Bahnam Samadi, a freelance economic reporter, faces legal action over an article on political tensions between Iran and Israel.
The news website Didbaniran.ir was blocked without explanation, leading to job losses for journalists.
Marzieh Mahmoudi, editor-in-chief of TejaratNews, was summoned by Tehran’s Media court, with unclear charges.
Several journalists, including Asal Dadashlou, Hadi Kasaeizadeh, and Mohammad Parsi, were indicted and summoned for their coverage of international political issues.
Women Press Freedom remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for press freedom and safeguarding journalists in Iran and globally. We stand united in solidarity with Shireen Saeedi and vehemently condemn the prison sentence imposed on her. We call upon the Iranian authorities to immediately release Saeedi from prison and dismiss all charges against her, underscoring the imperative to uphold press freedom. Iran currently holds the unenviable position as the leading jailer of journalists. We call for an end to the unjust imprisonment of journalists and the immediate release of all currently held in captivity.
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