CFWIJ is alarmed by the extension of one more year of imprisonment against journalist and charity worker, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. Nazanin was arrested in 2016 by Iranian authorities on charges of propaganda against the regime. In the latest hearing held in March, the journalist was accused of participating in a demonstration outside the Iranian embassy 12 years ago and giving her opinion on BBC News, Persian service. The journalist was now hoping for her release after having served 5 years of her sentence but to her disappointment, her imprisonment has now been extended for a further one year. Nazanin was released from jail in March 2020 and was placed under house arrest in Tehran. CFWIJ is shocked at the blatant abuse and judicial harassment against the journalist. We strongly demand Iranian judicial authorities drop all the bogus charges and end the prolonged torture against Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who has worked with renowned media organizations, has been imprisoned in Iran for nearly five years. Nazanin was sentenced to prison for charges of espionage, which she has denied. The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns her arbitrary detention and urges Iranian authorities for her immediate release.