Journalists in Iran Face New Charges: A Battle for Press Freedom

Iran: New Charges Against Journalists Reflect Relentless Crackdown on Media, Rights Defenders, and Civil Society

July 3, 2023           Current Affairs Commentator

Introduction

The Iranian authorities have recently brought “propaganda” and “national security” charges against three journalists, further highlighting their relentless crackdown on media, rights defenders, and civil society. Saeideh Shafiei, Mehrnoush Zarei Henzaki, and Nasim Sultan Beigi are scheduled to stand trial on July 3, 2023, facing potential prison sentences of up to five years. These charges are based on their reporting and writing on social media, directly infringing upon their rights to freedom of speech. The international community, particularly states engaged with Iran, must demand that these charges be dropped and that journalists and human rights defenders be protected.

The Charges and Their Consequences

The specific charges against the journalists revolve around their articles and involvement with media outlets. Saeideh Shafiei’s charges are related to her articles in the monthly online Peace Mark magazine, which covered topics such as rising poverty and the government’s management of energy subsidies and public resources. Meanwhile, Mehrnoush Zarei Henzaki’s charges stem from her articles on reproductive laws and the state of Iran‘s national parks. Nasim Sultan Beigi’s charges, on the other hand, are based on her collaboration with various domestic and foreign media outlets. Sultan Beigi’s lack of cooperation during interrogation and her promotion of hijab removal seemingly prompted authorities to seek the most severe penalty for her.

These charges, founded on articles 500 and 610 of the Islamic Penal Code, represent a common tactic employed by Iranian authorities to suppress dissent and control the narrative. By criminalizing “propaganda against the state” and “assembly and collusion to commit acts against national security,” the authorities are able to target and silence individuals who dare to challenge the status quo and expose social issues and grievances. This abuse of broad national security charges is a long-standing practice in Iran‘s judicial system and has been used against protesters, dissidents, and journalists.

A History of Repression

The current crackdown on journalists and human rights defenders is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader pattern of repression and impunity in Iran. In September 2022, Iranians took to the streets to protest the death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini, a Kurdish Iranian woman, in the custody of the abusive “morality police.” The government responded to these protests with disproportionate and lethal force, resulting in numerous deaths and imprisonments. Activists, journalists, and human rights defenders were extensively targeted, falsely charged, and subjected to grossly unfair trials.

Although Iranian authorities announced a broad amnesty in February, which included the release of some detainees and pardons for others, the recent re-arrests and summoning of activists, particularly journalists, raises concerns about the government’s commitment to human rights. Zahra and Hoda Tohidi, journalist and activist sisters, were initially arrested in September 2022, released on bail in December, and then re-arrested on May 31, 2023. The international community must condemn these actions and demand that Iran upholds its international obligations to protect freedom of expression.

International Engagement and Advocacy

Tara Sepehri Far, senior Iran researcher at Human Rights Watch, emphasizes the need for the international community to continue advocating for the rights of journalists and human rights defenders in Iran. It is crucial that states engaged with Iran prioritize these cases and pressure the Iranian government to drop the baseless charges against journalists. By keeping these cases at the center of engagement, the international community can send a strong message that the suppression of free speech and the persecution of those exercising their rights will not be tolerated.

States must also call for Iran to adhere to international standards and ensure fair trials for all individuals. The charges against journalists and activists must be thoroughly examined, and any evidence presented must conform to the principles of due process and transparency. Ultimately, the Iranian government must recognize that its repression of free speech harms not only the individuals directly affected but also the wider society.

Conclusion

The new charges against journalists Saeideh Shafiei, Mehrnoush Zarei Henzaki, and Nasim Sultan Beigi reflect Iran‘s relentless crackdown on media, rights defenders, and civil society. By criminalizing free speech through vague “propaganda” and “national security” charges, the Iranian authorities are violating the rights of individuals and suppressing dissent. It is imperative that the international community condemn these actions and pressure Iran to drop these charges. Only through continued engagement and advocacy can we hope to protect the freedom of expression and safeguard human rights in Iran.

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