03.09.2008 - Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

CPJ calls on authorities to disclose charges against 2 detained Kurdish journalists or release them immediately ("Two journalists held without charge") [ID 25141]

Document(s): Open document

27.08.2008 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist from the Arab minority sentenced to 5 years in prison for criticising excessive force against demonstrators from Arab community ("Journalist from the Arab minority sentenced to five years in prison") [ID 25135]

Document(s): Open document

06.08.2008 - Source: World Organisation Against Torture

Activist and journalist Yaghoub Mehrnehad executed ("Execution of Mr. Yaghoub Mehrnehad") [ID 25114]

Document(s): Open document

05.08.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

Zahedan: Yaqoub Mehrnehad, a journalist accused of being a member of a Sunni militant group, executed together with another man ("Journalist hanged in eastern Iran") [ID 25107]

Document(s): Open document

05.08.2008 - Source: BBC News

Iran has executed a journalist accused of involvement with a Sunni militant group blamed for a spate of attacks, officials say ("Journalist hanged in eastern Iran") [ID 25111]

Document(s): Open document

28.07.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

Masoud Haidari, former head of news agency, sentenced to 3 months and one day in prison for publishing lies; news agency had been closed by authorities a year ago ("Iran orders jail for journalist over "lies"") [ID 25091]

Document(s): Open document

28.07.2008 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Kurdish freelance journalist arrested 2 days after show of Kurdish solidarity with 2 detained journalists ("Kurdish freelancer arrested two days after show of Kurdish solidarity with two detained journalists") [ID 25092]

Document(s): Open document

25.07.2008 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Authorities ban evening edition of daily newspaper for publishing "harmful" economic news ("Iran Bans Another Newspaper Over Economic Reporting") [ID 25085]

Document(s): Open document

02.07.2008 - Source: Freedom House

Freedom of expression is severely limited; a number of journalists were arrested or detained in 2007 ("Freedom in the World 2008") [ID 25062]

"[…] The Ahmadinejad government holds that the duty of the media is to report and support government actions, not comment on them. Sensitivity over the nuclear issue at home and abroad has led to greater government restraints on news reporting. Use of “suspicious sources,” or sources that criticize the government, are forbidden. A number of journalists were arrested or detained in 2007.

The Society for the Defense of Freedom of the Press, an Iranian journalist society, repeatedly called for information on journalists arbitrarily detained by authorities. Journalists Masoud Bastani, Farhad Gorbanpour, and Soheli Assefi were all arrested during the year for “publishing false statements.” Two Iranian Kurdish journalists, Adnan Hassanpour and Abdolvahed Botimar, were sentenced to death for being “enemies of God” and endangering national security.

Also in 2007, French-Iranian filmmaker Mehrnoushe Solouki was arrested and jailed while working on a film that came to involve political killings in the aftermath of the Iran-Iraq War. Though she was released on bail, she was not allowed to leave the country and faced a secret trial for “attempting to spread propaganda.”"

Document(s): Open document

26.06.2008 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Government threatened to ban Association of Iranian Journalists ("Government threat to ban Association of Iranian Journalists") [ID 24883]

Document(s): Open document

24.06.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

Mohammad Sadigh Kaboudvand, journalist and member of Iran's Kurdish minority, sentenced to 11 years in prison after creating a human rights association for the Kurds; Saeed Matinpour, a journalist writing for a weekly newspaper in Azeri language, sentenced to 8 years in prison ("Two Iranian journalists handed heavy jail terms") [ID 24881]

Document(s): Open document

24.06.2008 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

11-year prison sentence for Kurdish journalist Mohammad Sadegh Kabovand for “activity against national security”; daily newspaper Tehran Emrooz closed after criticising president Ahmadinejad ("Kurdish journalist gets 11-year prison sentence, Tehran daily closed for criticising Ahmadinejad") [ID 24882]

Document(s): Open document

19.06.2008 - Source: World Organisation Against Torture

Repression of defenders who are journalists from minority groups, especially Kurds ("Steadfast in Protest; Annual Report 2007"), Author: The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders [ID 24849]

See page 201 - 203

"At the end of 2007, many journalists who promote minority rights in the framework of their activities remained in prison, including four Kurdish journalists who defend human rights: Mr. Mohammad Sadegh Kaboudvand, Chairperson of Voice of the People of Kurdistan, a newspaper that defends the rights of Kurds, was detained awaiting trial; Mr. Ejlal Ghavami, from the same newspaper, was given a three year prison sentence in June 2007; Mr. Abdolvahed Boutimar and Mr. Adnan Hassanpour, two Kurdish journalists, were given death sentences in July 2007 in response to their articles demanding cultural rights for the Kurdish minority."

Document(s): Open document

13.06.2008 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

9 women, including 5 journalists, arrested in latest attempt to intimidate cyber-feminists ("Nine women, including five journalists, arrested in latest attempt to intimidate cyber-feminists") [ID 24724]

Document(s): Open document

30.05.2008 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Qom: Afghan journalist freed after being held for 86 days ("Afghan journalist freed after being held for 86 days in Qom") [ID 24713]

Document(s): Open document

28.05.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Ali Farahbakhsh, a journalist, was granted an early conditional release after spending 11 months in prison; originally he was convicted of “espionage” and “receiving money from foreigners” in connection with his attendance at a media conference in Thailand ("Annual Report 2008") [ID 23351]

"Ali Farahbakhsh, a journalist, was granted an early conditional release in October after 11 months in detention. He was convicted of “espionage” and “receiving money from foreigners” in connection with his attendance at a media conference in Thailand."

Document(s): Open document

28.05.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Journalist Mohammed Hassan Fallahiya sentenced to 3 years in prison for writing critical articles against the government ("Annual Report 2008") [ID 23407]

"In April, journalist Mohammad Hassan Fallahiya was sentenced to three years in prison with hard labour for writing articles critical of the government and for allegedly contacting opposition groups based outside Iran. He was detained in November 2006 and denied access to a lawyer throughout the judicial process. His family said the Evin Prison authorities refused to allow them to take him medicines required to treat heart and blood disorders, endangering his life."

Document(s): Open document

21.05.2008 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Almost 20 websites blocked as online censorship grows ("Almost 20 websites blocked as online censorship grows") [ID 24699]

Document(s): Open document

20.05.2008 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Ailing journalist unable to pay bail, held for more than 10 months ("Ailing journalist unable to pay bail, held for more than 10 months") [ID 24696]

Document(s): Open document

29.04.2008 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Authorities ordered closure of reformist daily newspaper Hambasteghi; earlier in April journalist Masud Rafai Taleghani of the daily Farhangh Ashati arrested and weekly Paygam Borujerd newspaper suspended ("Journalist arrested and a weekly suspended") [ID 24622]

Document(s): Open document

18.04.2008 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Court closes Kurdish weekly for selling copies across border in Iraqi Kurdistan ("Court closes Kurdish weekly for selling copies across border in Iraqi Kurdistan") [ID 24610]

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

During the year 2007, numerous publishers, editors and journalists (including those working on Internet sites) were detained, jailed, tortured, and fined, or they were prohibited from publishing their work; the government imposed restrictions on press outlets and banned or blocked critical publications ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22876]

"[...] In its May report, Freedom House called the press climate in the country "not free," noting several newspaper closures and the arrests and intimidation of journalists. The head of the Iranian Journalists Guild Association said that during the Iranian year 1385 (March 2006-2007) the Press Supervisory Board banned more than 20 publications. He called the year a "bad period for the press" and characterized the press environment as "negative and oppressive." Since Mahmoud Ahmadi-Nejad became president in 2005, approximately 42 publications were suspended and 25 printing licenses revoked. In a September open letter, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) accused President Ahmadi-Nejad of an "appalling record of press freedom violations." According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), there were at least 12 journalists imprisoned in the country during the year. RSF reported on September 26 that since September 2006, 73 journalists were arrested and at least 20 media outlets were censored.

According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, on February 27, authorities arrested French-Iranian filmmaker Mehrnoushe Solouki for "intent to commit propaganda against the regime" after she discovered a mass grave outside Tehran in the course of her research on the burial rites of some religious minorities. After one month in Evin Prison, she was released on bail but at year's end was not allowed to leave the country.

On March 26, authorities sentenced economic journalist Ali Farahbakhsh, who wrote for the daily Sarmayeh and the banned reformist dailies Yas-e-now and Shargh, to three years and three months in prison, reportedly on charges of espionage and "stealing from foreigners." The sentence was later reduced to 11 months. In November 2006 security officials arrested Farahbakhsh upon his return from a civil society conference in Thailand. The charges against him are reportedly related to his acceptance of $2,300 for participating in the conference, which was intended to cover his travel expenses. Farahbakhsh remained in Evin Prison for several months despite a letter from Judiciary Chief Shahrudi ordering his release on bail. On October 9, authorities reportedly conditionally released him, pending an appeal hearing. According to AI, the Association of Iranian Journalists issued an open letter signed by 247 of its members calling attention to flaws in the administration of justice in Farahbakhsh's case.

In late March the Press Supervisory Board revoked the license of bilingual Kurdish and Persian weekly Payam-e-Kurdistan. It was not clear why the license was revoked. On April 12, Tehran University law professor and former Majles deputy from Shiraz Ghassem Sholeh Sadi told an international press outlet in an interview that he had been sentenced to 18 months in prison. The sentence is reportedly in connection with an open letter Sholeh Sadi wrote to the supreme leader in 2002, criticizing some of the actions and policies of the government and its leaders. It was not clear whether he was detained.

On May 28, security forces arrested journalist Said Matinpour of Azeri-language weekly Yarpagh and detained him in Evin Prison. According to RSF, there have been no charges filed against him, and he has not been permitted contact with his family or lawyer.

On July 1, Kurdish journalist Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand was reportedly arrested by plainclothes security forces. It was not clear where he was being detained or whether he was permitted contact with his family or legal counsel. Kabudvand, who was also secretary of the Kurdistan Organization for the Defense of Human Rights, wrote for the now-defunct weekly Payam Mardom Kordestan. In September 2006 authorities sentenced him to one year in prison on charges of "inciting the population to rebel against the central state" but according to AI, his current detention was reportedly unconnected to this prison sentence.

On July 3, the general prosecutor ordered the daily Ham-Mihan closed. On May 13, authorities permitted the publication to reopen after being closed since 2000; it published for only 42 days before being closed again.

On July 11, the government closed the wire service Iranian Labor News Agency, reportedly as a result of its reporting on labor strikes in parts of the country.

On July 16, a revolutionary court in the northwestern city of Marivan sentenced Kurdish journalists Adnan Hassanpour and Abdolvahed "Hiva" Boutimar to death on charges of espionage and "acting against national security." According to RSF, the trials were not public and their lawyers were not permitted to attend. Hassanpour's interviews with foreign media were reportedly cited by the prosecution. According to December domestic press reports, the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence for Hassanpour but overturned the verdict for Boutimar.

On July 31, security forces arrested journalist Farshad Ghorbanpour and detained him in Evin Prison. He was reportedly charged with "spreading lies against the system" and "giving news to Web sites outside the country." He was released on bail on August 27. Authorities reportedly also arrested journalist Masoud Bastani and released him one day later. Bastani was reportedly in Evin Prison for several months in 2005 and 2006.

On August 4, security forces arrested journalist Soheil Asefi and detained him in Evin Prison where he was held in solitary confinement. He was reportedly charged with "publishing false news likely to disturb public opinion." On October 6, authorities released Asefi on bail of $107,000 (1 billion rials).

On August 6, the general prosecutor ordered to close the last major reformist daily Shargh. The ban placed on Shargh in September 2006 was lifted on May 14, but the paper was operational for less than three months before being closed again. The government reportedly closed the newspaper in response to a published interview with a writer accused of being a homosexual activist.

On August 11, the government closed the conservative news Web site Baztab, although the site continued to operate outside of the country. The government also reportedly filtered the Web site earlier in the year. At year's end, the site was reportedly operating inside the country. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

05.03.2008 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Radio Farda correspondent Parnaz Azima, who was stripped of her passport and prevented from leaving Iran for eight months last year, has been convicted by an Iranian Revolutionary court of "spreading antistate propaganda" and sentenced to one year in prison ("Farda Correspondent Talks About Her Sentence And Journalists' Dilemmas") [ID 24419]

Document(s): Open document

03.03.2008 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Two journalists freed on bail, two others get prison sentences ("Two journalists freed on bail, two others get prison sentences") [ID 24412]

Document(s): Open document

03.03.2008 - Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

Court sentences correspondent for U.S.-backed radio station ("Iranian court sentences correspondent for U.S.-backed radio station") [ID 24413]

Document(s): Open document

28.02.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Jelveh Javaheri was detained in Tehran’s Evin Prison between 1 December 2007 and 2 January 2008 in connection with articles she posted on the Internet; she was released on bail, but may face prosecution in the future ("Women's rights defenders defy repression. Case sheet: Jelveh Javaheri [MDE 13/030/2008]") [ID 23616]

Document(s): Open document

28.02.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Maryam Hosseinkhah, a journalist and women’s rights defender, was detained in Evin Prison, Tehran; she was released on bail and accused in connection with articles posted on websites ("Women's rights defenders defy repression. Case sheet: Maryam Hosseinkhah [MDE 13/029/2008]") [ID 23618]

Document(s): Open document

26.02.2008 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Website editor arbitrarily arrested in crackdown on Internet ("Website editor arrested in crackdown on Internet two weeks before parliamentary elections") [ID 23610]

Document(s): Open document

30.01.2008 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Commission bans leading feminist magazine ("Commission bans leading feminist magazine") [ID 22508]

Document(s): Open document

21.01.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Journalist and women’s rights defender, Jelveh Javaheri, was released from Evin prison ; she was reportedly accused of “disturbing public opinion”, “propaganda against the system” and “publication of lies” in connection with articles posted on the Internet ("Further information on Urgent Action 321/07 (MDE 13/140/2007, 3 December 2007) [MDE 13/014/2008]") [ID 23594]

Document(s): Open document

05.01.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

Tehran: The Guardian's correspondent, Robert Tait, has been expelled without explanation after nearly three years of reporting from the country ("Guardian's Tehran correspondent expelled without explanation") [ID 22248]

Document(s): Open document

04.01.2008 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Kurdish weekly closed and one-year jail term for reporter in southwest ("Year ends badly for press, with Kurdish weekly closed and one-year jail term for reporter in southwest") [ID 22160]

Document(s): Open document

04.01.2008 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Kurdish weekly closed and one-year jail term for reporter in southwest ("Year ends badly for press, with Kurdish weekly closed and one-year jail term for reporter in southwest") [ID 22237]

Document(s): Open document

28.12.2007 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Call for journalist’s release after he has double heart attack in Evin prison ("Call for journalist’s release after he has double heart attack in Evin prison") [ID 22156]

Document(s): Open document

23.12.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Police arrest dozens of suppliers of illegal DVD movies and other videos deemed to be "decadent and immoral" ("Iran arrests dozens in video crackdown: police"), Author: AFP [ID 22154]

Document(s): Open document

21.12.2007 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist freed on bail, but 11 others still held ("Journalist freed on bail, but 11 others still held") [ID 22145]

Document(s): Open document

19.12.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Tehran: Police have raided more than 430 Internet cafes and other shops during first days of latest campaign against what they say is inappropriate and un-Islamic conduct ("Tehran internet cafes shut down in drive against un-islamic behaviour") [ID 22144]

Document(s): Open document

04.12.2007 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Reporters Without Borders calls on UN human rights official to act over unresolved murders of five Iranian journalists and intellectuals, nine years after killings ("Appeal to UN human rights official over nine-year-old murders of journalists and intellectuals") [ID 22136]

Document(s): Open document

03.12.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Tehran: Jelveh Javaheri, journalist and women’s rights defender, arrested on 1 December 2007 at branch of Revolutionary Court; she is accused in connection with articles posted on the Internet ("Urgent Action 321/07 [MDE 13/140/2007]") [ID 21822]

Document(s): Open document

03.12.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Tehran: Jelveh Javaheri, journalist and women’s rights defender, arrested on 1 December 2007 at branch of Revolutionary Court; she is accused in connection with articles posted on the Internet ("Urgent Action 321/07 [MDE 13/140/2007]") [ID 22080]

Document(s): Open document

28.11.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Iranian authorities have detained a blogger after he published details about the reported use of bomb-sniffing dogs in President Mahmud Ahmadinejad's security detail ("Iranian Blogger Held After Revealing Canine Security Details") [ID 21825]

Document(s): Open document

27.11.2007 - Source: BBC News

Top court orders a new probe into the death of the Iranian-Canadian journalist, Zahra Kazemi, in 2003 ("Iran court reopens Kazemi case") [ID 21826]

Document(s): Open document

27.11.2007 - Source: BBC News

Top court orders a new probe into the death of the Iranian-Canadian journalist, Zahra Kazemi, in 2003 ("Iran court reopens Kazemi case") [ID 22077]

Document(s): Open document

20.11.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Journalist and women's rights activist Hosseinkhah arrested for writing articles on laws discriminating against women ("Iran arrests women's activist: report") [ID 22068]

Document(s): Open document

19.11.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Journalist and women’s rights defender, Maryam Hosseinkhah, arrested; accused of "disturbing public opinion","propaganda against the system" and "publication of lies" ("Urgent Action 312/07 [MDE 13/137/2007]") [ID 22059]

Document(s): Open document

16.11.2007 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

One journalist held incommunicado in South, three others get prison sentences in North ("One journalist held incommunicado in South, three others get prison sentences in North") [ID 22055]

Document(s): Open document

14.11.2007 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Appeal court reduces journalist's sentence from three years to six months in prison for “trying to overthrow government by means of journalistic activities” ("Appeal court says Kurdish journalist to serve six months in prison") [ID 21668]

Document(s): Open document

14.11.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Officials have again imprisoned Heshmatollah Tabarzadi, the head of Iran's Democratic Front and the publisher of a now-banned weekly newspaper, "Payam-e Daneshjou-ye Basiji" ("Iranian Journalist, Political Activist Imprisoned Again") [ID 21669]

Document(s): Open document

10.11.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

The Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence on a Kurdish dissident journalist Hassanpour; he was found guilty of mounting armed struggle against the system ("Iran court upholds death sentence on dissident") [ID 22062]

Document(s): Open document

09.11.2007 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Supreme court decision upholding death sentence for Kurdish journalist should be "taken seriously" ("Supreme court decision upholding death sentence for Kurdish journalist should be "taken seriously"") [ID 21684]

Document(s): Open document

08.11.2007 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

One journalist imprisoned, two publications suspended ("One journalist imprisoned, two publications suspended") [ID 21687]

Document(s): Open document

08.11.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

French-Iranian filmmaker Mehrnoushe Solouki held in Iran after shooting a documentary; after being released from prison, authorities confiscated her passport; she faces charges of intending to make antiestablishment propaganda ("Speaker For Pro-Reform Student Group Detained In Iran") [ID 21731]

Document(s): Open document

30.10.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Tehran: In what appears to be another blow to Iranian intellectual life, police have recently shut down six bookshop-cafes, and others may be in line for closure ("Tehran Bookshop-Cafes Closed In New Move Against Dissent") [ID 21810]

Document(s): Open document

25.10.2007 - Source: Guardian

Authorities close down coffee shops in bookstores amid general clampdown on social and intellectual freedoms ("Iran clamps down on coffee shops") [ID 22404]

Document(s): Open document

24.10.2007 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist subjected to mental and physical mistreatment since arrest 10 days ago ("Journalist subjected to mental and physical mistreatment since arrest 10 days ago") [ID 21820]

Document(s): Open document

12.07.2007 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Regime accused of staging “creeping coup” against press ("Regime accused of staging “creeping coup” against the press") [ID 21594]

Document(s): Open document

04.07.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Iranian Kurdish journalist and human rights defender Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand is detained in unknown place, possibly Section 209 of Evin Prison; he was arrested on 1 July 2007 in Tehran by plain-clothed security officers; he may be at risk of torture ("Urgent Action 171/07 [MDE 13/081/2007]") [ID 21440]

Document(s): Open document

03.07.2007 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Three more journalists imprisoned ("Three more journalists imprisoned") [ID 21445]

Document(s): Open document

29.06.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Reports say Iran's Supreme National Security Council has warned journalists not to report on problems caused by gas rationing that led to great anger among some citizens who set fire to many gas stations in several cities ("Officials Reportedly Ban Negative Gas-Rationing Stories") [ID 21451]

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

After hunger strike journalist Akbar Ganji was released from prison; he spent 5 years in prison for his reports on government-linked murders of 80 dissidents abroad ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 20022]

"On March 18, Akbar Ganji, a former IRGC leader turned political activist and journalist, was released from prison. Ganji was imprisoned in 2000 in connection with his reports linking the government to the "serial murders" of 80 dissidents in the country and abroad.

He was sentenced in 2001 to six years in prison on charges including acting against national security and spreading propaganda. He received a one-month furlough for medical treatment in 2005 and subsequently went on a 70-day hunger strike to protest his detention. After his release he was allowed to travel abroad."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Internet writer Mojtaba Saminejad, who spent more than 2 years in custody for insulting the supreme leader, was tortured in prison ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 20032]

"On September 16, Internet writer Mojtaba Saminejad was reportedly released from prison. Saminejad was arrested in February 2005 and sentenced to more than two years in prison on charges that included insulting the supreme leader.

He was first detained in 2004 after reporting the arrest of other Internet writers and, according to HRW, tortured and held for 88 days in solitary confinement. In January 2005 he was released on $62,500 (50 million toman) bail. Saminejad started another Internet site but was detained again, and his bail tripled, which he could not pay. His trial in May 2005 was held behind closed doors."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Journalist Siamak Pourzand, in 2001 sentenced to 11 years in prison for “undermining state security”, was furloughed 2004 and later put under house arrest ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 20035]

"Police arrested journalist Siamak Pourzand in 2001 and tried him in March 2002 behind closed doors. He was denied free access to a lawyer of his choice and was sentenced to 11 years in prison for "undermining state security through his links with monarchists and counterrevolutionaries." After repeated hospitalizations followed by reimprisonment, Pourzand was furloughed again in 2004 and remained under house arrest at year's end."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

In July 2005 journalist Massoud Bastani was arrested for covering a demonstration to support political prisoner Akbar Ganji; Bastani went through different prisons and is in poor health ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 20036]

"In July 2005 police arrested journalist Massoud Bastani for covering a demonstration to support political prisoner Akbar Ganji. Bastani was held in Evin Prison, released in August 2005, then reimprisoned and sent to Arak prison, normally used for nonpolitical prisoners. He was released on furlough in September 2005 but returned to prison the next month.

In December 2005 the head of the Association of Iranian Journalists called for Bastani's release and said he was in poor health. In September an Internet source said he remained in prison."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Arjang Davoudi arrested in 2003 for assisting a Canadian reporter making a documentary about Canadian-Iranian journalist Zahra Kazemi; he was condemned to 14 years in jail, later beaten in custody and kept in solitary confinement ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 20037]

"Arjang Davoudi was arrested in 2003 for assisting a Canadian reporter making a documentary about Canadian-Iranian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi. In 2005 he was condemned by a revolutionary court to either 14 or 15 years in jail; reportedly he was beaten and kept in solitary confinement for approximately 100 days.

Davoudi wrote a book from prison about his ordeal and had his manuscript privately delivered to a publishing company. According to one report, the Information Ministry prevented the book's publication by violence against the publisher and its employees.At year's end he was believed to be in internal exile in Bandar Abbas."

Document(s): Open document

01.2007 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Closure of newspapers and magazines in 2006 ("World Report 2007") [ID 18989]

"In September 2006 the Ministry of Culture and Guidance closed the reformist daily, Shargh, and shut down two reformist journals, Nameh and Hafez. In October the Ministry shut down a new reformist daily, Roozgar, only three days after it started publication."

Document(s): Open document

01.2007 - Source: Human Rights Watch

News and information on websites blocked by authorities ("World Report 2007") [ID 18990]

"In 2006 the authorities also targeted websites and internet journalists in an effort to prevent online dissemination of news and information. The government systematically blocks websites inside Iran and abroad that carry political news and analysis. In September 2006 Esmail Radkani, director-general of the government-controlled Information Technology Company, announced that his company is blocking access to 10 million “unauthorized” websites on orders from the Judiciary and other authorities."

Document(s): Open document

01.12.2006 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

2 journalists detained; national weekly newspaper closed for "ethnic insult" ("Two journalists detained, national weekly closed for “ethnic insult”") [ID 18023]

Document(s): Open document

30.11.2006 - Source: BBC News

Ayatollah issues fatwa against an Azeri writer, accusing him of insulting Prophet Muhammad ("Iran issues fatwa on Azeri writer") [ID 17854]

Document(s): Open document

30.11.2006 - Source: BBC News

Ayatollah issues fatwa against an Azeri writer, accusing him of insulting Prophet Muhammad ("Iran issues fatwa on Azeri writer") [ID 18024]

Document(s): Open document

21.11.2006 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Cleric Ayatollah Morteza Bani Fazl offers his house as a reward to anyone who kills Azeri journalist Rafiq Tagi who allegedly insulted prophet Muhammad ("Iranian Cleric Offers His Home To Kill Azeri Writer") [ID 18017]

Document(s): Open document

21.11.2006 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Journalists Association condemned the interrogation of 20 journalists who returned to Tehran after attending a 2-week training course in the Netherlands ("Group Condemns Interrogation Of Iranian Journalists") [ID 18018]

Document(s): Open document

15.11.2006 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Two Journalists freed on bail after being held for one month ("Two journalists freed on bail after being held for one month") [ID 18021]

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

A Kurdish women's right activist and 2 Kurdish journalists arrested, later released on bail; they face charges that can carry the death penalty ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 18828]

"[...] Dr Roya Toloui, a women’s rights activist, and two journalists, Ajlal Qavami and Sa’id Sa’edi, were among the Kurds arrested in August [2005]. All were released on bail in October and were reported to be facing political charges that can carry the death penalty."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

Journalist and prisoner of conscience Akbar Ganji, who uncovered involvement of government officials in murder of intellectuals and journalists, has to serve a 6-year prison sentence ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 18885]

"The registration process for independent non-governmental organizations remained a barrier to their effective operation, and individual human rights defenders remained at risk of reprisal for their work. [...]

Prisoner of conscience Akbar Ganji, an investigative reporter who uncovered the involvement of government officials in the murder of intellectuals and journalists in the 1990s, continued to serve a six-year prison sentence imposed after he was convicted of vaguely worded charges including “acting against national security”. Following a hunger strike in protest at being denied independent medical treatment outside prison, accompanied by considerable domestic and international protests, he was temporarily released for medical treatment in July. He was returned to prison in September and placed in solitary confinement for over six weeks. His wife said he had been beaten by security forces in hospital."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

Journalist and prisoner of conscience Akbar Ganji, who uncovered involvement of government officials in murder of intellectuals and journalists, has to serve a 6-year prison sentence ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 18885]

"The registration process for independent non-governmental organizations remained a barrier to their effective operation, and individual human rights defenders remained at risk of reprisal for their work. [...]

Prisoner of conscience Akbar Ganji, an investigative reporter who uncovered the involvement of government officials in the murder of intellectuals and journalists in the 1990s, continued to serve a six-year prison sentence imposed after he was convicted of vaguely worded charges including “acting against national security”. Following a hunger strike in protest at being denied independent medical treatment outside prison, accompanied by considerable domestic and international protests, he was temporarily released for medical treatment in July. He was returned to prison in September and placed in solitary confinement for over six weeks. His wife said he had been beaten by security forces in hospital."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

Journalist and prisoner of conscience Akbar Ganji, who uncovered involvement of government officials in murder of intellectuals and journalists, has to serve a 6-year prison sentence ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 18885]

"The registration process for independent non-governmental organizations remained a barrier to their effective operation, and individual human rights defenders remained at risk of reprisal for their work. [...]

Prisoner of conscience Akbar Ganji, an investigative reporter who uncovered the involvement of government officials in the murder of intellectuals and journalists in the 1990s, continued to serve a six-year prison sentence imposed after he was convicted of vaguely worded charges including “acting against national security”. Following a hunger strike in protest at being denied independent medical treatment outside prison, accompanied by considerable domestic and international protests, he was temporarily released for medical treatment in July. He was returned to prison in September and placed in solitary confinement for over six weeks. His wife said he had been beaten by security forces in hospital."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

Mohammad Reza Nasab Abdolahi, a human rights activist and newspaper editor, sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment and a fine for "insulting the country’s leader and making anti-government propaganda" ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 18900]

"Mohammad Reza Nasab Abdolahi, a student campaigner for human rights and a newspaper editor, was sentenced in January to six months’ imprisonment and a fine for “insulting the country’s leader and making anti-government propaganda”. He was released in August. His pregnant wife, Najameh Oumidparvar, was detained in March for 24 days after posting a message on her weblog that her husband apparently wrote before his arrest."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Journalist and activist for Azeri rights disappeared and later found stabbed ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46058],  [ID 18360]

"According to Internet press reports, Massoumeh Babapour, a journalist for Tabriz newspapers and activist for Azeri rights, disappeared on October 3. She was found stabbed nine times, but still alive. According to her husband, she had received death threats calling her an atheist and claiming religious authorities passed a death sentence on her. At year's end there was no information regarding the perpetrators."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Journalist and political activist Akbar Ganji sentenced to 6 years in prison for reports linking the government with the killing of 80 dissidents ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46058],  [ID 18493]

"Akbar Ganji, a former IRGC leader turned political activist and journalist, has been imprisoned since 2000 in connection with his reports linking the government with the "serial murders" of 80 dissidents in the country and abroad. He was sentenced in 2001 to six years in prison on charges including acting against national security and spreading propaganda. In May he received a furlough for medical treatment but was returned to Evin prison in June. He went on a 70-day hunger strike to protest his detention, transferred to a hospital on July 17, and ended his strike in mid-August. On September 3, he was discharged from the hospital and returned to prison. At year's end he was held in a high security section of Evin prison, known as "Alef 2" controlled by the IRGC.

In July the head of the judiciary reportedly said Ganji could be pardoned if eligible; Tehran Judiciary Chief Alizadeh subsequently said he would not be released until the end of his sentence. The UN, European Union (EU), and numerous countries have called for Ganji's release. Ganji's wife said in an open letter in late October that she believed her husband was being beaten, had been moved to solitary confinement, and was not receiving medical care. In November HRW reported Ganji said judiciary officials tortured him to try to make him renounce his writings."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Arrest of journalist Siamak Pourzand, and the internet writers Mojtaba Lotfi, Afshin Zarei, Arash Sigarchi, and Mojtaba Saminejad ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46058],  [ID 18591]

"Police arrested journalist Siamak Pourzand in 2001 and tried him in March 2002 behind closed doors. He was denied free access to a lawyer of his choice and was sentenced to 11 years in prison for "undermining state security through his links with monarchists and counterrevolutionaries." He was kept in solitary confinement for months and physically and psychologically tortured to force him to make a televised confession. He was reportedly urged to implicate others, refused, was released but then returned a month later to Evin prison. In March 2004 Pourzand suffered a heart attack that left him in a coma. After repeated hospitalizations and reimprisonment, Pourzand was furloughed again in 2004 but kept under house arrest, not allowed to leave the country, and could be returned to prison at any time. His wife, Mehrangiz Kar, a human rights defender residing outside the country who face charges in connection with her participation in a 2000 conference in Berlin, was formerly a political prisoner.

In February the special court for the clergy sentenced Mojtaba Lotfi, a cleric who wrote social and political commentary on his Web site, to 3 years and 10 months in prison. He was released on August 28.

Afshin Zarei, an Internet writer arrested at the beginning of the year, was charged with insulting the supreme leader. According to press accounts by his lawyer in August, Zarei had been held in "temporary detention" for eight months. At year's end no further information was available.

On February 2, Internet writer and journalist Arash Sigarchi received a sentence of 14 years in prison for charges including espionage, aiding "hostile" governments, and insulting the country's leaders. On March 17, he was released pending appeal, after posting $127 thousand (100 million tomans) bail. In August he was summoned again to court and charged with insulting religious and political leaders and having a satellite dish, but was out of prison at year's end. (...)

(...) Mojtaba Saminejad, an Internet writer, was arrested on February 13 and sentenced to more than two years in prison on charges including insulting the supreme leader. He was first detained in October 2004 after reporting the arrest of other Internet writers and, according to HRW, tortured and held for 88 days in solitary confinement. On January 27, he was released on $62,500 (50 million toman) bail. He started another Internet site but was detained again, and his bail tripled, which he could not pay. His trial in May was held behind closed doors; he was sentenced to two years in prison for insulting Khomeini and the supreme leader and charged with apostasy. He was later acquitted of apostasy but remained in Rajai'i Shahr prison."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Trial against journalist Siamak Pourzand behind closed doors; he was denied access to lawyer of his choice ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46058],  [ID 18592]

"Police arrested journalist Siamak Pourzand in 2001 and tried him in March 2002 behind closed doors. He was denied free access to a lawyer of his choice and was sentenced to 11 years in prison for "undermining state security through his links with monarchists and counterrevolutionaries." He was kept in solitary confinement for months and physically and psychologically tortured to force him to make a televised confession. He was reportedly urged to implicate others, refused, was released but then returned a month later to Evin prison. In March 2004 Pourzand suffered a heart attack that left him in a coma. After repeated hospitalizations and reimprisonment, Pourzand was furloughed again in 2004 but kept under house arrest, not allowed to leave the country, and could be returned to prison at any time. His wife, Mehrangiz Kar, a human rights defender residing outside the country who face charges in connection with her participation in a 2000 conference in Berlin, was formerly a political prisoner."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Journalist Massoud Bastani arrested for covering a demonstration for political prisoner Akbar Ganji ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46058],  [ID 18596]

"On July 25, police arrested journalist Massoud Bastani for covering a demonstration to support political prisoner Akbar Ganji. Bastani was held in Evin Prison, released August 6, then reimprisoned and sent to Arak prison, normally used for nonpolitical prisoners. He was released for a month but returned to prison on November 5. In December the head of the Association of Iranian Journalists called for Bastani's release and said he was in poor health."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Journalists Taqi Rahmani, Hoda Saber and Reza Alijani detained without charges and later sentenced to prison ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46058],  [ID 18599]

"Author and journalist Taqi Rahmani has spent 17 years in prison since 1981 for his writings. In 2003 Tehran's chief prosecutor, Mortazavi ordered the arrest of Rahmani and two journalist colleagues, Hoda Saber and Reza Alijani. After a long detention without charges, all three were sentenced to lengthy prison sentences. In November 2004 Alijani, Saber, and Rahmani were released on bail of approximately $63 thousand (50 million tomans) each. At year's end they remained furloughed."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Journalist Amir Abbas Fakhravar arrested for criticizing the government and sentenced to 8 years in prison in 2002 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46058],  [ID 18601]

"Journalist Amir Abbas Fakhravar was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2002, reportedly because of his comments on the country's political leadership in the book, This Place Is Not a Ditch. In February 2003 he and Ahmad Batebi wrote an open letter criticizing the government and calling for a referendum. He was summoned to court, beaten, and transferred to Evin prison, from which he received periodic furloughs, most recently on June 10 (see section 1.c.)"

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Arjang Davoudi arrested in 2003 for assisting a Canadian reporter making a documentary about Canadian-Iranian photographer Zahra Kazemi and sentenced to long time imprisonment ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46058],  [ID 18604]

"Arjang Davoudi, a teacher, engineer, and poet, was arrested in 2003 for assisting a Canadian reporter making a documentary about Canadian-Iranian photographer Zahra Kazemi. During the year he was condemned by a revolutionary court to either 14 or 15 years in jail (varied by source), exile to a harsh climate, 5 years' suspension of his civil rights, and 70 lashes; reportedly he was beaten and kept in solitary confinement for approximately 100 days. Davoudi wrote a book from prison about interrogations, torture, and extended solitary confinement and had his manuscript privately delivered to a publishing company. According to one report, the information ministry attacked the publishing house, intercepted the manuscript, severely injured the employees, and arrested and imprisoned the publisher."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Activist and publisher sentenced in absence to 5 years in prison ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46058],  [ID 18664]

"Mohsen Sazgara, IRGC founder, turned activist and publisher of now suspended reformist dailies Jameh, Neshat, and Tous, was sentenced on appeal in March 2004 to a year in prison. A week before his release, he was charged with "undermining national security," "insulting the supreme guide," and "antigovernment propaganda" but left the country for medical treatment. On October 2, the revolutionary court sentenced him in his absence to five years in prison. (...)"

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Violation of the freedom of press: Ban of publications and prosecution of journalists ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46058],  [ID 18673]

"Among those prosecuted or threatened were journalists writing about ethnic issues. On April 25, police arrested Yusuf Azizi Banitaraf, a reformist Iranian-Arab journalist, during a press conference at the Center for the Defense of Human Rights in Tehran. Formerly with the daily newspaper Hamshari, Banitaraf wrote extensively on ethnic minorities, defended protestors, and condemned the violence after ethnic clashes on April 15 in Khuzestan between security forces and the Arab community. On June 28, he was released on bail of $25 thousand (20 million toman) [...]

On March 8, the Islamic culture and guidance ministry closed the proreform magazine Jameh-yi No and closed the monthly Karnameh on April 7 for publishing "immoral" news and poems.

On April 18, the government closed the Tehran bureau of Al-Jazeera after its correspondent reported on the clashes in Khuzestan and concurrently banned journalist travel to the region.

On June 20, the Tehran prosecutor's office banned the newspapers Eqbal, Aftab-e Yazd, Etemaad, and Hayat No after they published a letter to the supreme leader from presidential candidate Mehdi Karroubi, who finished third in the first round of the presidential elections on June 17. Karroubi accused military organizations of breaking the law by supporting Ahmadinejad. All newspapers except Eqbal were allowed to resume publication on June 21; the editor of Eqbal was told the newspaper faced other complaints [...].


In August authorities sentenced Mohammad Sedigh Kabovand, editor of the weekly newspaper Payam-i Mardom-i Kurdistan, to 18 months in prison. According to RSF, Kabovand's lawyer, Abdolfattah Soltani, was not present, as Soltani was also in prison [...].


On October 16, the publishers of three magazines were tried in open court, with a jury selected by the judiciary, culture ministry, and Tehran city council. One was accused of publishing photographs of attractive celebrities to attract readers, thereby undermining Islamic values. Another was charged with spreading lies about the risk of AIDS in a local prison. At year's end there was no further information."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Government increases control over internet ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46058],  [ID 18705]

"The government increased control over the Internet as more citizens accessed it for news and political debate. HRW cited an online February 2004 "census" ranking Farsi the third-most-popular language for Internet Web sites (many of these were written from outside the country). An 2004 poll found many citizens trusted the Internet more than other news media. During the year approximately 6.2 million citizens used the Internet, and there were 683 Internet Service Providers.

In 2003 a government spokesman acknowledged state attempts to block access to "immoral" Internet sites. The judiciary also announced the creation of a special unit to handle Internet-related issues. According to press reporting, the judiciary highlighted over 20 subject areas to be blocked, including: insulting Islam; insulting the supreme leader or making false accusations about officials; undermining national unity and solidarity; and propagating prostitution and drugs.

Beginning in 2004 the government launched a major crackdown on sites based in the country, including "weblogs," reportedly blocking hundreds of Internet sites. According to HRW, since September 2004 Tehran's Chief Prosecutor, Saeed Mortazavi, reportedly ordered more than 20 Internet journalists and civil society activists arrested and held in a secret detention center in Tehran.

In December 2004 in a public letter to President Mohammed Khatami, Rajabali Mazrui, the father of one of those detained as well as president of the Association of Iranian Journalists and a former majles member, implicated the judiciary in the torture and secret detention of these individuals. His son, Hanif Mazrui, a computer technician for the banned newspaper Vaghayeh Etefaghieh, was arrested in September 2004. He was freed on November 11 after paying bail of approximately $19 thousand (15 million tomans).

In December 2004 four "weblog" detainees were presented at a televised "press conference" arranged by Judge Mortazavi and denied mistreatment. However, widespread and credible reports indicated that while in secret detention, threats, torture, and physical abuse were employed to obtain false confessions and letters of repentance [...]. After release some detainees testified to a presidential commission. Commission member and former presidential advisor Mohammad Ali Abtahi later wrote in his Internet site that they claimed they were beaten, held in solitary confinement, denied access to lawyers, and forced to make false confessions. On January 2, Abtahi reported that the government blocked access to his Internet site.

On January 11, Judiciary Head Shahrudi and other judiciary officials met with several Internet writers about their claims of mistreatment. On January 16, domestic media reported that Shahrudi instructed the public prosecutor's office to transfer the case to a special committee from the judiciary. The report on the treatment of the Internet writers was never publicly released [...]. By year's end most were released on bail. After their release, RSF reported that authorities summoned the bloggers for questioning several times a week, and they received threats from government officials.

On October 18, RSF accused the government of increasing control, surveillance, and censorship of the Internet. A study published by HRW listed Internet sites in the country blocked in mid-October. These sites included women's rights Web sites, several foreign based Farsi-language news sites, some popular Internet writer sites, the Freedom Movement Party Web site, a Web site promoting the views of Ayatollah Montazeri, some Kurdish Web sites, Web sites dedicated to political prisoners, and a Baha'i Web site. In October government authorities blocked access to the Baztab news Web site. The Web site manager said they received a judicial order saying the temporary ban was based on a complaint related to the nuclear issue. During November and December, three other Internet sites dealing with news and political issues were blocked. On December 13, 13 majles deputies protested Internet censorship in a letter to President Ahmadinejad and urged him to end the ban on these three sites."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Female journalist addressing women's issues arrested and beaten ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46058],  [ID 18711]

"In October 2004 Fereshteh Ghazi, a journalist addressing women's issues for the daily newspaper Etemad, was arrested on a variety of charges. According to press accounts, at least part of the time she was held in an undisclosed location and beaten for refusing to confess. Upon release in December 2004, she was immediately hospitalized."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Journalist Ensafali Hedayat left the country after being arrested for covering student demonstrations at Tabriz and attending a conference abroad organised by a group advocating a democratic Iran ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46058],  [ID 19077]

"In 2003 police arrested freelance journalist Ensafali Hedayat at the University of Tabriz while he was covering student demonstrations; he was accused of inciting students to revolt. In January 2004 he was arrested after attending a conference abroad organized by a group advocating a democratic, secular state. In May 2004 the Tabriz appeals court confirmed an 18-month prison sentence against him. He subsequently left the country."

Document(s): Open document

20.01.2006 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist and blogger Ahmad Reza Shiri sentenced to suspended 3-year-prison fine after being accused of blogging calls for boycott of legislative elections ("Blogger gets three-year suspended sentence") [#42431],  [ID 9031]

Document(s): Open document

14.09.2005 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist reimprisoned week after his release on 6 August from Evin prison in Tehran, and is now being held in Arak prison which is normally used for non-political prisoners ("Journalist reimprisoned after a week of freedom, held with ordinary detainees") [#36578],  [ID 9032]

Document(s): Open document

13.09.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Journalist, who recently ended 2-month hunger strike and is in very poor health, reportedly sent back from hospital to Evin prison to serve remainder of his 6-year sentence; he was not granted regular access to his family and confidential meetings with his lawyer ("Iran - Further Information on UA 164/05") [#36519],  [ID 9033]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

13.09.2005 - Source: BBC News

Iranian dissident writer placed in solitary confinement after being transferred back to prison from hospital; no apparent reason has been given for putting him "in quarantine" ("Iran writer in 'jail quarantine'") [#36561],  [ID 9034]

Document(s): Open document

08.09.2005 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Freelance journalist who works with several local media was arrested in Sarvabad border area after visiting Kurdish part of neighbouring Irak; 3 other journalists were arrested and no explanation was given for their arrest ("Concern over fate of journalists detained in Kurdish part of Iran") [#36336],  [ID 9035]

Document(s): Open document

06.09.2005 - Source: International Federation for Human Rights

Teheran: Prominent journalist Akbar Ganji, who has been imprisoned for more than 5 years, and released in order to be hospitalised, was taken back to Evin prison ("Arbitrary detention") [#36825],  [ID 9036]

Document(s): Open document

04.09.2005 - Source: BBC News

Dissident journalist Akbar Ganji sent back to jail after leaving hospital where he was recovering from hunger strike ("Iran dissident sent back to jail") [#36200],  [ID 9037]

Document(s): Open document

29.08.2005 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Online journalist freed after more than 6 months in prison; weblogger who was arrested in February was also released after completing his sentence ("Release of cyberjournalist Mojtaba Lotfi and blogger Mohamad Reza Nasab Abdolahi") [#36177],  [ID 9038]

Document(s): Open document

23.08.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Imprisoned journalist ended his hunger strike which he began on 11 June in protest at being denied access to medical care for chronic asthma; he is at risk of being returned to Evin prison when he leaves hospital, to serve remainder of his 6-year sentence ("Iran - Further Information on UA 164/05") [#35912],  [ID 9039]

Document(s): Open document

22.08.2005 - Source: BBC News

Dissident journalist Akbar Ganji ended his hunger strike which he began in June in protest at his imprisonment ("Iranian dissident calls off fast") [#35723],  [ID 9040]

Document(s): Open document

12.08.2005 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Sanandaj: 3 journalists arrested at start of August for covering disturbances of past few weeks in Kurdish-dominated northwestern region, ordered to be kept in custody for 2 months ("Crackdown on journalists continues in Iran's Kurdish-dominated northwest") [#35314],  [ID 9041]

Document(s): Open document

11.08.2005 - Source: BBC News

Tehran: Some 250 people held rally in support of jailed Iranian dissident writer who has now been on hunger strike for 63 days; he started his hunger strike to pressure judges to grant him unconditional release ("Iran rally to save fasting writer") [#35308],  [ID 9043]

Document(s): Open document

09.08.2005 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Iranian Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi urges dissident Akbar Ganji to end 58-day hunger strike ("Iranian Nobel Laureate Urges Dissident To End Hunger Strike") [#35064],  [ID 9044]

Document(s): Open document

08.2005 - Source: Freedom House

Freedom of Expression ("Freedom in the World 2005") [#41317],  [ID 9045]

"[...]Freedom of expression is limited. The government directly controls all television and radio broadcasting and, since 2003, has reportedly had some success in jamming broadcasts by dissident overseas satellite stations. The Press Court has extensive procedural and jurisdictional power in prosecuting journalists, editors, and publishers for such vaguely worded offenses as “insulting Islam” and “damaging the foundations of the Islamic Republic.” In recent years, the authorities have issued ad hoc gag orders banning media coverage of specific topics and events. Since 1997, more than 100 publications have been shut down by the judiciary and hundreds of journalists and civil society activists have been arrested, held incommunicado for extended periods of time, and convicted in closed-door trials. As in years past, many reformist newspapers were suspended or closed by the authorities in 2004. In February, the weekly Hadith-e Kerman and the dailies Sharq and Yas-e Nau were closed down. In May, the Azeri-language daily Nedai Azarabadegan was suspended for two months and the weekly Gorgan e Emrouz was banned. The newspapers Jumhuriyat and Vaqa-yi Itifaqi-yi were closed in July. By year’s end, the few reformist newspapers that remained open had been intimidated into practicing self-censorship. Most liberal journalists are forced to publish their work on the Internet. However, the government systematically censors Internet content. Since 2003, the government has forced Internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to a list of “immoral sites and political sites that insult the country’s political and religious leaders.” The authorities stepped up Internet censorship in 2004, blocking access to hundreds of additional Web sites. In September, the authorities launched a massive crackdown on free expression, arresting at least 25 journalists, civil society activists, and computer technicians involved in Internet publishing, on charges ranging from defamation to “acts against national security.” According to Human Rights Watch, many were coerced by interrogators to sign written confessions saying they had taken part in an “evil project” directed by “foreigners and counter-revolutionaries.”[...]"

Document(s): Open document

31.07.2005 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Leading human rights lawyer who was acting on behalf of hunger-striking political prisoner, arrested by judiciary ("Ganji near death as one of his legal team is arrested") [#34608],  [ID 9046]

Document(s): Open document

18.07.2005 - Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

Teheran: Journalist Akbar Ganji reportedly hospitalised during his more than month-long hunger strike; there are concerns for his safety ("CPJ concerned about health of jailed Iranian writer") [#34333],  [ID 9047]

Document(s): Open document

14.07.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Concerns for health of investigative journalist, who has been on hunger strike for 33 days in protest at being denied access to medical care for chronic asthma; Teheran: several demonstrators, calling for release of political prisoners, beaten and arrested by police ("Iran - Further Information on UA 164/05") [#34017],  [ID 9048]

Document(s): Open document

13.07.2005 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Concerns for health of imprisoned leading dissident who suffers from acute asthma; authorities repeatedly prevented him from receiving specialist medical care or taking medical leave; in protest of his unfair treatment he began hunger strike last month ("Leading Dissident’s Life in Danger") [#33989],  [ID 9049]

Document(s): Open document

12.07.2005 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Jailed investigative journalist, Akbar Ganji, on hunger strike after being jailed for last 5 years because of his critical articles and investigations into murders of political dissidents and intellectuals ("Iran: Concern Grows Over Fate Of Jailed Journalist") [#34001],  [ID 9050]

Document(s): Open document

11.07.2005 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Tehran: Blogger cleared of "insulting the prophets" for which he faced death penalty, but must still serve 2-year sentence for insulting Supreme Guide; blogger has been held in custody since 12 February 2005 ("Blogger cleared of "insult to prophets" but still guilty of "insulting Supreme Guide"") [#33914],  [ID 9051]

Document(s): Open document

04.07.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Writer and journalist who was arrested when returning from press conference, reportedly released on payment of bail; it is not known whether he will face trial, as no charges have been brought against him ("Iran - Further Information on UA 109/05") [#33602],  [ID 9052]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

01.07.2005 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist who was imprisoned in April, freed on bail; 4 other journalists remain imprisoned ("Yosef Azizi Banitrouf freed on bail after 68 days in prison") [#33537],  [ID 9053]

Document(s): Open document

25.05.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Freedom of expression and association ("Annual Report 2005") [#32306],  [ID 9062]

"[...]Freedoms of expression and association came under attack throughout the year as a result of flagrant flaws in the administration of justice, coupled with a deeply politicized judiciary. Journalists faced politically motivated and arbitrary arrest, prolonged detention, unfair trials and imprisonment. The laws used to arrest and imprison journalists, relating to defamation, national security and disturbing public opinion, were vaguely worded and at variance with international standards. 2004 saw an increase in the harassment or intimidation of the relatives of detainees or people under investigation.
A report published in January by the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression concluded that there was a “climate of fear induced by the systematic repression of people expressing critical views against the authorized political and religious doctrine...”
In October and November, scores of journalists, particularly Internet journalists, were arbitrarily detained in connection with their work and especially following publication of an appeal by around 350 signatories, calling for political reform. Those detained were expected to face trial in the following months. They included Javad Gholam Tamayomi, Shahram Rafihzadeh Rouzbeh and Mir Ebrahimi. In December many of those arrested reportedly confessed while in detention, but later told a government body that these confessions were extracted under duress.
Taqi Rahmani, Alireza Alijani and Hoda Saber, intellectuals and writers associated with the National Religious Alliance (Melli Mazhabi), remained arbitrarily detained without any prospect of release. For over a year, the court where they had lodged their appeal had refused to issue a verdict. This effectively prevented the families from taking any form of follow-up action. Despite an announcement in November that they would be released and the payment of substantial bail, the prison authorities prevented them from being released and they remained in detention at the end of the year.
The death sentence passed in 2002 on Professor Hashem Aghajari for statements he made that were construed to be blasphemous was overturned by the Supreme Court in June. However, new charges were brought against him of insulting religious precepts, and “spreading false information”. In July, Professor Hashem Aghajari was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, with two years suspended, and barred from practising his profession for five years. His appeal was still pending before a Tehran court at the end of the year. [...]"

Document(s): Open document
Open document

04.2005 - Source: UK Border Agency (Home Office)

Country report of April 2005 ("Country Report - April 2005") [#31980],  [ID 9054]

"[...]6.15 According to the HRW World Report 2003 in July 2002 the Friday prayer leader of Isfahan, Taheri, resigned. Friday prayer leaders are appointed by the Senior Leader of the Islamic Republic, and are the senior religious authorities in their districts. [8h](pg1) "He accused Iran's clerical leaders of directing and encouraging "a bunch of club wielders" and of marrying the ill-tempered, ugly hag of violence to religion." He observed that the centers of power were "unchecked and unbridled ...neither reproached by the executors of justice nor reproved by the law." This criticism of lack of accountability, corruption and lawlessness, coming from someone of impeccable religious credentials at the heart of the establishment, struck a deep chord. The conservative establishment sought to limit the damage by ordering official news outlets to restrict their coverage of the Ayatollah's statement, an order that was only partially successful". [8h](pg1) In July 2003, a BBC News Report said that in another incident, Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei had to deny rumours that his office was guilty of receiving illegitimate payments linked to the motor trade. [21bw] 6.16 Reuters reported on 27 July 2002 that on 27 July 2002 Iran's Revolutionary Court sentenced more than 30 liberal dissidents to up to 10 years in jail. The court also ruled to dissolve the Freedom Movement. [5ay] and by early 2003 HRW reported that it was evident that a press crackdown had intensified. [8i] [...]"

Document(s): Open document

17.03.2005 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Rashat: journalist and blogger arrested in January 2005 and sentenced to 14 years in prison, released from prison ("Reporters Without Borders welcomes release of blogger Arash Sigarchi") [#30430],  [ID 9055]

Document(s): Open document

14.03.2005 - Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

Attacks on the press in 2004: analysis of press conditions ("Attacks on the press in 2004") [#30155],  [ID 9056]

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2005 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Iran Abuses Journalists and Violates Freedom of Speech ("Civil and political rights [E/CN.4/2005/NGO/310]") [#30293],  [ID 9057]

"[...]Many Iranian reformist writers and activists have complained of being detained in solitary confinement. Several Iranian journalists recently told a presidential commission that, while in detention, they were tortured into confessing to charges such as insulting Islamic beliefs and endangering national security.
Iranian authorities have arrested activists and “bloggers” (weblog writers) in order to cripple a growing network of non-governmental organizations. Iranian judicial authorities have accused the web writers of spreading propaganda, inciting national unrest and “moral crimes.” Hanif Mazrouei, a blogger detained by authorities, said that “My interrogator punched me in the head and stomach and kicked me in the back many times to force me confess to having illegal sex and endangered national security through my writings.” Mazrouei spent 66 days in solitary confinement and was blindfolded most of the time. No official charges were brought against him. Tehran prosecutor Saeed Mortazavi has been named by detainees as the main authority behind the torture. UN Watch is extremely concerned for the safety of Iranian journalists who have received death threats from judicial officials since their testimony alleging torture.
[...]
As of June 2004, the Iranian government had closed virtually all independent newspapers, several key journalists and writers had fled the country, many prominent writers and activists had been imprisoned, and scores of student activists were intimidated into abandoning peaceful political activity. Individuals interviewed for the report, including a number of writers and journalists, described brutal interrogations in which they were blindfolded, physically threatened, and forced to recant their political views. Former detainees also described basement solitary cells where they were left for weeks at a time without any human contact, and threats by judges that if they did not confess, they would be held in solitary confinement indefinitely. The report documents cases of beatings, long confinement in contorted positions, kicking detainees with military boots, hanging them by the arms and legs, and threats of execution if individuals refused to confess.[...]"

Document(s): Open document

04.03.2005 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Written statement by the International Federation for Human Rights Leagues (FIDH) on freedom of expression, torture, women rights, discrimination against minorities and the death penalty ("Question of the violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in any part of the world [E/CN.4/2005/NGO/158]") [#30291],  [ID 9058]

"[...]In 2004, the judiciary increasingly curtailed freedom of expression of human rights defenders, journalists, writers and students expressing critical view regarding the government's policy1.
The authorities arrested nearly 20 on-line journalists and webloggers in the Fall of 2004, working with pro-Reformist Internet websites. They were subsequently released on bail, with the exception of one journalist: Arash Sigarchi. Arash Sigarchi is the editor of Gilan newspaper. A number of the on-line journalists and webloggers arrested were tortured while in detention and filed a suit for torture and mistreatments. On-line publications are the only way to circulate independent information. That crackdown is consequently a further restriction in an already very repressive landscape.
Mrs. Mahboubeh Abbasgholizadeh, the editor of the women’s rights journal Farzaneh, was arrested at her home on November 2, 2004 and released on bail on November 30, 2004. Syamak Pourzand was released in June 2004. In August 2004, Iraj Jamshidi was freed on bail after more than 13 months in prison. In October 2004, Ali-Reza Jabbari, was released after more than 18 months in detention. Hassan Yussefi Eshkevari, a cleric who was detained since August 2000 because he had participated in the Berlin conference, was conditionnally released on February 6, 2005.
However, as of February 2005, several other journalists are still in prison for the mere exercise of their right to freedom of expression: Akbar Ganji (since April 2000), Hossein Ghazian (since October 2002), Abbas Abdi (since November 2002), Reza Alidjani (since June 2003), Taghi Rahmani (since June 2003), Hoda Rezazadeh- Saber (since June 2003) and Mr. Ensafali Hedayat (since January 2004). Mr. Nasser Zarafshan, a lawyer and human rights defenders, is equally in jail since August 2002.[...]"

Document(s): Open document

03.03.2005 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Independent journalist was given a six-month suspended sentence, a daily newspaper was suspended and 9 journalists summoned ("A journalist banned from working for two years, a daily suspended and nine journalists summoned") [#29617],  [ID 9059]

Document(s): Open document

28.02.2005 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Imprisonment of pregnant student, reported; she is the wife of weblogger Mohamad Reza Nasab Abdolahi, who was also imprisoned ("Pregnant wife of jailed weblogger imprisoned") [#29616],  [ID 9060]

Document(s): Open document

28.02.2005 - Source: US Department of State

Freedom of speech and press ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2004") [#29525],  [ID 9063]

"[...]The Constitution provides for freedom of the press, except when published ideas are "contrary to Islamic principles, or are detrimental to public rights"; it makes no mention of freedom of speech. In practice, the Government severely restricted freedom of speech and of the press. Since the election of President Khatami, the independent press, especially newspapers and magazines, played an increasingly important role in providing a forum for an intense debate regarding reform in the society. However, basic legal safeguards for freedom of expression did not exist, and since approximately 2000, the independent press has been subjected to arbitrary enforcement measures by elements of the Government, notably the judiciary, which treated such debates as a threat. [...]

Newspapers and magazines represented a wide variety of political and social perspectives, many allied with members of the Government. Many subjects were tolerated, including criticism of certain government policies. However, the Press Law prohibits the publishing of a broad and ill-defined category of subjects, including material "insulting Islam and its sanctities" or "promoting subjects that might damage the foundation of the Islamic Republic." Prohibited topics include fault-finding comments regarding the personality and achievements of the late Leader of the Revolution, Ayatollah Khomeini; direct criticism of the Supreme Leader; assailing the principle of velayat-e faqih, or rule by a supreme religious leader; questioning the tenets of certain Islamic legal principles; publishing sensitive or classified material affecting national security; promotion of the views of certain dissident clerics, including Ayatollah Montazeri; and advocating rights or autonomy for ethnic minorities. Organs of the Government, such as the judiciary or the National Security Council, often issued written orders to newspapers instructing them to avoid covering controversial topics, or directing them as to how to cover these topics.

The Press Law established the Press Supervisory Board, which is responsible for issuing press licenses and for examining complaints filed against publications or individual journalists, editors, or publishers. In certain cases, the Press Supervisory Board may refer complaints to the Press Court for further action, including closure. Its hearings were conducted in public with a jury composed of clerics, government officials, and editors of government-controlled newspapers. The jury was empowered to recommend to the presiding judge the guilt or innocence of defendants and the severity of any penalty to be imposed, although these recommendations were not legally binding.

Since 2000, approximately 100 newspapers and magazines have been closed for varying lengths of time. In the last few years, some human rights groups asserted that the increasingly conservative Press Court assumed responsibility for cases before Press Supervisory Board consideration, often resulting in harsher judgments. Efforts to amend the press laws have not met with success, although in October 2003, Parliament passed a law limiting the duration of temporary press closures to a maximum of 10 days for newspapers, 4 weeks for weeklies or bi-weeklies, 2 months for monthlies, and 3 months for other publications. The importance of the legislation was to stop the practice of extending "temporary" bans indefinitely.

The Press Law allows government entities to act as complainants against newspapers, and often members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, the Intelligence Ministry, the Law Enforcement Forces, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, or other public officials lodged criminal complaints against reformist newspapers that led to their closures. Offending writers were subjected to lawsuits and fines. Suspension from journalistic activities and imprisonment were common punishments for guilty verdicts for offenses ranging from "fabrication" to "propaganda against the State" to "insulting the leadership of the Islamic Republic."

Freedom of the press continued to deteriorate during the year. Many reformist newspapers and magazines were closed, and many of their managers were sentenced to jail and, sometimes, lashings. [...]

In January, legal authorities threatened eight reformist dailies for their coverage of the sit-in by reformist deputies in front of the Parliament. The weekly Hadith-e Kerman, in Kerman Province, was closed in February for coverage in 2003 of serial killings committed by armed militia. [...]
Dozens of individual editors and journalists have been charged and tried by the Press Court in recent years, and several prominent journalists were jailed for long periods without trial. Others have been sentenced to prison terms or exorbitant fines. [...]
The Government censored and banned access to Internet sites, many of them with political content, such as the Amir Kabir University news website. During the year, the Government launched a crackdown on sites based in the country, to include "weblogs." Reportedly during the year, the Government blocked hundreds of Internet sites. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

28.02.2005 - Source: US Department of State

Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2004 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2004") [#29525],  [ID 9064]

"[...]In July 2003, an Iranian-Canadian photographer, Zahra Kazemi, died in custody after being arrested for taking photographs at Evin prison in Tehran. After initially claiming that she had died as a result of a stroke, the Government subsequently admitted that she died as a result of a blow to the head and charged individuals involved in her detention. The Government denied Canada's request, based on her son's statement, that Kazemi's remains be sent to Canada for further autopsy and burial. In July, a court acquitted an Intelligence Ministry official accused of her death, and the Government has taken no subsequent investigative or legal action to resolve ambiguities surrounding her death (see Section 4). [...]

According to the media, in November, Mohammad Reza Aghapour, former editor-in-chief of the banned magazine, Asan, was arrested upon his return from London where he reportedly attended seminars on the circumstances of the country's Turkish population. At year's end, there was no information on whether Aghapour was imprisoned or if charges were brought against him. According to the media, in September, authorities arrested and held for 11 days Soeed Matalebi, the father of Sinn Motalebi, a political opponent of the regime who helped to operate an Internet opposition website. [...]

Numerous publishers, editors, and journalists (including those working on Internet sites) were either detained, jailed, and fined, or they were prohibited from publishing their writings during the year (see Section 2.a.). [...]"

Document(s): Open document

24.02.2005 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Prominent blogger sentenced to 14 years in prison by the government for expressing his opinions on the Internet and in the international press, ("Iran: Blogger Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison") [#29255],  [ID 9065]

Document(s): Open document

23.02.2005 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Gilan: journalist and weblogger was sentenced to 14 years in prison by a revolutionary tribunal ("Journalist and weblogger sentenced to 14 years in prison") [#29614],  [ID 9066]

Document(s): Open document

23.02.2005 - Source: BBC News

Iranian weblogger who was arrested last month after using his blog to criticise the arrest of other online journalists, jailed for 14 years on charges of spying and aiding foreign counter-revolutionaries ("Iran jails blogger for 14 years") [#29228],  [ID 9067]

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14.02.2005 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Written statement by the Organization for Defending Victims of Violence (ODVV) on systematic human rights violations by the governments ("Question of the violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in any part of the world [E/CN.4/2005/NGO/68]") [#30288],  [ID 9061]

"[...]Efforts by Iran’s judiciary to curtail freedom of expression and association are now increasingly encroaching on human rights defenders and civil society activists. Reports of Internet journalists and civil society activists arbitrarily arrested in recent months mark an alarming rise in human rights violations in Iran. Mindful that the Islamic republic of Iran is a party to the International covenant on civil and political rights, The ODVV calls upon the government of Islamic republic of Iran to abide by its obligations freely under the International Covenants on Human rights and other international Human rights instruments, including provisions relating to freedom of opinion and expression . The execution of Atefeh Rajabi is the tenth execution of a child offender in Iran recorded by Amnesty International since 1990. A bill to raise the minimum age for execution to 18 was reportedly under consideration by parliament in December 2003 and another one in recent months. Mindful that the Islamic Republic of Iran is a party to the Human rights covenants and convention on the rights of the child; The ODVV calls upon the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to comply with its obligations under article 37 of convention on the rights of the child and article 6 of the international covenant on civil and political rights not to impose the sentence of death for offences committed by persons below eighteen years age.[...]"

Document(s): Open document

28.01.2005 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist has spent of 5,000 days in prison, sentenced each time in connection with his journalistic work ("Journalist has spent 5,000 days in prison") [#28806],  [ID 9069]

Document(s): Open document

20.01.2005 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Rashat: journalist arrested, after responding to a summons from the intelligence ministry; he was updating a weblog that was banned by the authorities, Panhjareh Eltehab (The window of Anguish), in which he had spoken out against recent arrests of cyberjournalists and bloggers ("Journalist and weblogger arrested") [#28442],  [ID 9070]

Document(s): Open document

13.01.2005 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Freedom of Expression and Opinion ("World report 2005") [#28233],  [ID 9068]

"[...]
The Iranian authorities systematically suppress freedom of expression and opinion. After President Mohammad Khatami’s election in 1997, reformist newspapers multiplied and took on increasingly sensitive topics in their pages and editorial columns. Prominent Iranian intellectuals began to challenge foundational concepts of Islamic governance. In April 2000, the government launched a protracted campaign to silence critics: closing down newspapers, imprisoning journalists and editors, and regularly calling editors and publishers before what became known as the Press Court. Today, very few independent dailies remain, and those that do self-censor heavily. Many writers and intellectuals have left the country, are in prison, or have ceased to be critical. Days after the visit of the Special Rapporteur for freedom of opinion and expression, Ambeyi Ligabo, in late 2003, one of the student activists with whom he spoke was re-arrested. In 2004 the authorities also moved to block Internet websites that provide independent news and analysis, and to arrest writers using this medium to disseminate information and analysis critical of the government.[...]"

Document(s): Open document

10.01.2005 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist, arrested for contributing to reformist websites, was released; weblogger Mojtaba Saminejad remains in prison ("Online journalist Javad Gholam Tamayomi released") [#28126],  [ID 9071]

Document(s): Open document

06.01.2005 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Journalists received death threats from judicial officials after testifying to a presidential commission about their torture and mistreatment during detention; there are concerns for their safety ("Journalists Receive Death Threats After Testifying") [#28091],  [ID 9072]

Document(s): Open document

21.12.2004 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Farid Modaressi, who was arrested in November because of the content of his blog (Internet journal) freed after he paid bail ("Blogger Farid Modaressi released") [#27827],  [ID 9073]

Document(s): Open document

10.12.2004 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist was released from prison after paying bail (about 50,000 euros); she was arrested in October for having contributed to reformist Internet sites ("Cyberjournalist Fershteh Ghazi released") [#27583],  [ID 9074]

Document(s): Open document

04.12.2004 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Secret squads operating under the authority of the Iranian judiciary have used torture to force detained Internet journalists and civil society activists to write self-incriminatory “confession letters” ("Iran: Torture Used to Obtain ‘Confessions’") [#27567],  [ID 9075]

Document(s): Open document

03.12.2004 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

2 journalists released from prison; they were reportedly tortured and are in poor physical and mental health ("Online journalists Omid Memarian and Shahram Rafihzadeh freed") [#27442],  [ID 9076]

Document(s): Open document

11.11.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Tehran: Civil society activist and journalist, detained without charge at an undisclosed location; he is at risk of torture or ill-treatment ("Iran - UA 306/04") [#26938],  [ID 9077]

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11.11.2004 - Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

Editor of the quarterly women's publication Farzaneha and internet journalist, arrested; at least 8 journalists have been detained since September 2004 ("Iran: Internet journalists targeted") [#26944],  [ID 9078]

Document(s): Open document

10.11.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Around 25 internet journalists and civil society activists arbitrarily arrested in recent weeks, some of them also ill treated ("Civil society activists and human rights defenders under attack") [#26913],  [ID 9079]

Document(s): Open document

10.11.2004 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Iranian journalist who was arrested two months ago in a crackdown against online journalists, released; 6 others are still being held ("Online journalist Hanif Mazroi released") [#26946],  [ID 9080]

Document(s): Open document

05.11.2004 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

2 Iranian women journalists arrested in connection with their work for pro-reform websites ("Women's media, rights groups urged to take action after second woman journalist arrested on Internet-related charges") [#26857],  [ID 9081]

Document(s): Open document

18.10.2004 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist who was sentenced to 4 years in prison for "drinking and distributing alcoholic drinks, adultery and incitement to immoral acts", released after more than 18 months in prison ("Journalist Ali-Reza Jabari released after more than 18 months in prison") [#26462],  [ID 9082]

Document(s): Open document

15.10.2004 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Journalist and Internet writer, a well-known figure in Iran's NGO community, detained without charge since his arrest on October 10 ("Iran: Journalist Detained in Internet Crackdown") [#26547],  [ID 9083]

Document(s): Open document

07.10.2004 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalists constantly threatened or summoned for questioning by officials in the justice and intelligence ministries ("Mounting threats to journalists") [#26214],  [ID 9084]

Document(s): Open document

29.09.2004 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Teheran: former political editor of the reformist daily Etemad, arrested ("Another reformist journalist arrested") [#26091],  [ID 9085]

Document(s): Open document

24.09.2004 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Online journalist who was detained for 2 weeks for allegedly writing for the news website Rouydad, released; 2 others arrested at the same time still held ("Online journalist freed but two others still held") [#26090],  [ID 9086]

Document(s): Open document

05.08.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

The recent hunger strike in Tehran's Evin prison and the unabated wave of arrests and temporary detention of students, journalists and workers are some of the signs of a worsening human rights situation in Iran ("Iran: Human rights commitments not matched by reality") [#24509],  [ID 9087]

Document(s): Open document

03.08.2004 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Editor in chief of the business daily Asia, freed by the Tehran revolutionary court after his family paid bail/ he and his wife were arrested on a charge of "propaganda against the regime" ("Newspaper editor freed on bail") [#24482],  [ID 9088]

Document(s): Open document

15.06.2004 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Mostafa Sabti, editor of the weekly Gorgan-e emrouz, released at the end of his prison sentence ("Mostafa Sabti released at the end of his prison sentence") [#23291],  [ID 9089]

Document(s): Open document

20.05.2004 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Correspondent in Tehran for the British daily "The Guardian" expelled ("Correspondent for The Guardian expelled") [#22571],  [ID 9090]

Document(s): Open document

20.05.2004 - Source: BBC News

The trial of an Iranian intelligence agent charged with beating to death a Canadian journalist will resume in July after a long delay ("Kazemi trial to resume in July") [#22475],  [ID 9091]

Document(s): Open document

19.05.2004 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Court in Zanjan released Massiolah Soltani and Massoud Almassi, journalists with the weekly Sedai e Zanjan ("Two journalists freed on bail") [#22570],  [ID 9092]

Document(s): Open document

13.05.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Head of the Tehran Artistic and Cultural Centre and an occasional newspaper correspondent, is a prisoner of conscience, serving an 11 year sentence imposed after an unfair and politically motivated trial ("Siamak Pourzand: a case study of flagrant human rights violations") [#22273],  [ID 9093]

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20.04.2004 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

75 years old jailed journalist who is very seriously ill, is chained to his bed by his feet at Tehran's Modares hospital ("Reporters Without Borders outraged at Siamak Pourzand's treatment in hospital: The organisation will hold the Iranian authorities responsible for the deterioration in the journalist's state of health") [#21514],  [ID 9094]

Document(s): Open document

25.03.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Freelance journalist was released on leave as part of a larger temporary release of prisoners on the occasion of Iran's No Rouz, or new year holiday ("Iran - Further Information on UA 88/03") [#20825],  [ID 9095]

Document(s): Open document

23.03.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Temporary detention of a freelance journalist extended until 6 April ("Iran - Further Information on UA 25/04") [#20675],  [ID 9096]

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22.03.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Tehran: Arzhang Davoodi remains in prison, although his family have paid bail, and is reportedly suffering from severe health problems as a result of torture and ill-treatment, for which he is being denied necessary medical treatment ("Iran - Further Information on UA 87/04") [#20640],  [ID 9097]

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11.03.2004 - Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

Report documenting attacks on the press in 2003 ("Attacks on the press in 2003") [#20310],  [ID 9098]

Document(s): Open document

10.03.2004 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist condemned to a one-year jail sentence after an unfair trial ("Unfair trial and illegal imprisonment") [#20392],  [ID 9099]

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02.03.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Arzhang Davoodi, who was arrested after he criticised the Iranian authorities in a TV documentary, was severely beaten in detention/ there are fears that he may be at risk of further ill-treatment or torture ("Iran - UA 87/04") [#19994],  [ID 9100]

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17.02.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Freelance journalist is reportedly held at a detention centre under the control of the Ministry of Intelligence/ he is at serious risk of ill-treatment ("Iran - Further Information on UA 25/04") [#19418],  [ID 9101]

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13.02.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Freelance journalist who has been in prison for over a year reportedly subjected to treatment amounting to torture (sensory deprivation) ("Iran - Further Information on UA 88/03") [#19412],  [ID 9102]

Document(s): Open document

21.01.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Freelance journalist, who has written for a number of overseas newspapers, arrested/ there are fears he might be tortured and ill treated in detention ("Iran - UA 25/04") [#18889],  [ID 9103]

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19.01.2004 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Independent journalist, employed by a number of reformist dailies, was arrested at his home by order of the Tabriz revolutionary court in north-western Iran ("Reporters Without Borders calls for the immediate release of independent journalist") [#18990],  [ID 9104]

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08.12.2003 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

One-year suspended sentence passed on journalist who worked for Neshat, a daily closed down by the authorities ("One-year suspended sentence passed on journalist Emadoldin Baghi") [#18033],  [ID 9105]

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24.10.2003 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Iranian-American academic is being held without charge by Iranian authorities since July/ he is held in solitary confinement and at risk of being tortured ("Iran: Detained Professor Should Be Freed") [#17046],  [ID 9106]

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02.09.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

Mohsen Sazegara arrested after publishing an article on his website calling for "a profound change of the constitution" at risk of torture or ill-treatment ("Iran - Further Information on UA 173/03") [#15717],  [ID 9107]

"Mohsen Sazegara was arrested on 15 June in Tehran after publishing an article on his website calling for "a profound change of the constitution". His son, Vahid Sazegara, was detained with him before being released on 9 July. Since his arrest, Mohsen Sazegara has been detained at Evin prison, reportedly without charge, and has been denied regular access to his lawyer and family. He reportedly carried out a 54-day hunger strike, taking only water. He was transferred on four occasions to Baghiyetollah Hospital in Tehran in order to break his hunger strike, which he resumed each time he was returned to prison. He called off his hunger strike on 24 or 25 August. He also has a severe heart condition, for which he needs regular medication. There are concerns that he may not have access to this medication. Amnesty International considers him to be a prisoner of conscience, arrested solely for the peaceful expression of his conscientiously held beliefs."

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04.08.2003 - Source: Guardian

Clergy has begun arresting and interrogating journalists, students and political activists in a new attempt to intimidate opposition before next year's parliamentary elections/ the authorities reportedly put inmates under extraordinary pressure to extract confessions ("Iran's hardliners step up arrests of activists") [#14803],  [ID 9108]

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17.07.2003 - Source: Frankfurter Rundschau

Journalistin im Gefängnis zu Tode geprügelt ("Journalistin im Gefängnis zu Tode geprügelt") [#14615],  [ID 9109]

16.07.2003 - Source: BBC News

Iranian Vice President acknowledged that a Canadian-Iranian photojournalist was beaten to death after her arrest outside a prison in Tehran ("Canadian journalist 'beaten to death'") [#14384],  [ID 9110]

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15.07.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

Photojournalist who was arrested for taking photographs of people protesting against the detention of family members outside the Evin prison in Tehran, died in custody ("Iran: An independent inquiry must be opened into the death of Zahra Kazemi") [#14327],  [ID 9111]

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14.07.2003 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

5 more journalists arrested by Iranian authorities which bring to 22 the sum of journalists presently imprisoned in Iran ("Five more journalistes arrested") [#14309],  [ID 9112]

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04.07.2003 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Kaliber: journalist attacked and abducted by 4 armed men after he gave an interview to Radio FARDA (Radio Free Europe)/ he was allegedly also beaten ("Concern about fate of abducted journalist") [#14076],  [ID 9113]

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02.07.2003 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Another journalist in Iran, Ali Akrami, arrested which brought to at least 9 the number of journalists arbitrarily detained in the past few weeks in a crackdown prompted by student demonstrations ("Number of journalists held in unknown location in current crackdown rises to nine") [#13993],  [ID 9114]

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18.06.2003 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist Ensafali Hedayat of Salam, arrested/ he was the sixth journalist to be detained in a space of three days against a backdrop of student protests ("Total number of journalists detained since 14 June rises to six") [#13671],  [ID 9115]

Document(s): Open document

17.06.2003 - Source: Frankfurter Rundschau

Protest in Iran schwillt an ("Protest in Iran schwillt an") [#14065],  [ID 9116]

14.06.2003 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Several journalists with the ISNA and ILNA news agencies, including ISNA editor beaten during student demonstrations/ some journalists were also detained for several hours ("Journalists detained and beaten, foreign TV jammed amid anti-government protests") [#13515],  [ID 9117]

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28.05.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

Harassment and prosecution of Journalists ("Annual Report 2003") [#13028],  [ID 9119]

"Scores of students, academics and journalists were arbitrarily arrested and many faced politically motivated criminal charges based on defamation or security laws. Trials in this context usually fell short of international fair trial standards and continued to be heard in special courts and frequently behind closed doors, resulting in the imprisonment of people solely on account of their beliefs. Many of the arbitrary arrests of student leaders in January and November were carried out in the manner of abductions, with several students "disappearing" for days. Prisoners of conscience, such as student leader Ali Afshari (see below), faced new charges apparently designed to prolong their imprisonment. Others were released only to be immediately rearrested.

Journalist and researcher Hojjatoleslam Hasan Yousefi Eshkevari, imprisoned in connection with his participation in an academic conference in Berlin, Germany, in April 2000, was unexpectedly released in early August. He was rearrested weeks later without a warrant or any explanation, and subsequently sentenced to a further seven years' imprisonment.
The trial of up to 30 prisoners of conscience, including academics, journalists and intellectuals associated with the Milli Mazhabi (national-religious association), notably the Iran Freedom Movement (IFM), recommenced in January. The defendants faced vaguely worded charges including "acts against national security", "conspiring to weaken the religious faith of students" and "seeking to overthrow the state by illegal means". One of the defence lawyers resigned on the grounds that it was impossible for him to represent his clients without access to the case files. Another, Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, was reportedly barred from attending the court and later sentenced to five years' imprisonment and banned from practising law for 10 years in connection with his defence of the case (see below). On 27 July the 30 defendants were sentenced to prison terms of up to 10 years; the dissolution of the IFM was ordered as part of the sentence.
Hashem Aghajari, an academic and member of the pro-reform Mojahedin of the Islamic Revolution (OMIR), was tried in connection with a speech he made in June in the western city of Hamedan. He had called for a reformation of religion, stating that the faithful should not "blindly follow" religious leaders. He was sentenced to death and 74 lashes for vaguely worded offences relating to the defamation of religion and religious leaders. In an exceptional move, the Supreme Leader ordered the judiciary to review the sentence."

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10.05.2003 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

7 journalists sentenced to a total of 53 years in prison by the Tehran revolutionary court at the end of a trial behind closed doors/ they were members of the National Religious Movement, a liberal, nationalist and Islamic grouping that has been banned since March 2001 ("Seven journalists sentenced to a total of 53 years in prison") [#12680],  [ID 9120]

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30.04.2003 - Source: Guardian

Reformist MP faced threat of arrest after judicial authorities accused him of undermining Iran's national interests by informing UN human rights monitors about alleged abuses of political prisoners ("Iranian MP to face court over prison claims") [#12291],  [ID 9118]

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29.04.2003 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Translator and freelance contributor to several independent newspapers sentenced to 4 years in prison and 253 lashes for "consuming and distributing alcoholic drinks"/ in fact, he was being punished for belonging to the Writers' Association ("Journalist sentenced to four years in prison and 253 lashes") [#12282],  [ID 9121]

Document(s): Open document

21.04.2003 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Editor of the news website and formerly a staff member of the banned reformist daily Hayat-é-No, arrested/ he is the second journalist arrested this year for running a website ("Another journalist and website editor arrested") [#12152],  [ID 9122]

Document(s): Open document

03.04.2003 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

3 more journalists arrested for criticising the government ("Three more journalists arrested") [#11880],  [ID 9123]

Document(s): Open document

31.03.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

Medical student, writer and journalist, beaten in front of Bench 26 of the Revolutionary Court, in the north of the capital Tehran/ he is currently in Qasr prison, where he has been denied medical treatment for severe injuries sustained in court ("Iran - UA 88/03") [#11701],  [ID 9124]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

31.03.2003 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Iran-2003 Annual Report ("Iran-2003 Annual Report") [#11824],  [ID 9125]

Document(s): Open document

31.03.2003 - Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

Report documenting attacks on the press in 2002 ("Attacks on the press in 2002") [#11760],  [ID 9126]

Document(s): Open document

12.03.2003 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

1 journalist released, 2 other sentenced to twelve and thirteen months in prison/ 5 other film specialised journalists remain imprisoned ("One journalist freed but two others sentenced to prison sentences") [#11370],  [ID 9127]

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

Journalist at risk of ill treatment as he has reportedly been moved into incommunicado detention for renewed questioning ("Iran - UA 334/02") [#11364],  [ID 9128]

Document(s): Open document

04.03.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

Lawyer and political science professor at Tehran University arrested at Tehran's international airport/ he may be facing torture or ill treatment in incommunicado detention ("Iran - UA 62/03") [#11263],  [ID 9129]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

03.03.2003 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

5 journalists arrested in less than a week at the very time that a delegation from the United Nations Commission on Human Rights was investigating arbitrary arrests ("Five journalists arrested in less than a week") [#11165],  [ID 9130]

Document(s): Open document

19.02.2003 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist arrested/ his detention came a few days after the publication on his website of an article in which he criticised the Guide of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khamenei ("A journalist arrested for having criticised the supreme Guide") [#11001],  [ID 9131]

Document(s): Open document

10.02.2003 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist Emadoldin Baghi released from jail after being held in prison for more than 2 years for alleged subversion ("Emadoldin Baghi freed after two years in prison") [#10795],  [ID 9132]

Document(s): Open document

07.11.2002 - Source: BBC News

Death sentence for apostasy has been passed on a liberal journalist and academic/ he was arrested after a speech in which he called for reform within the Islamic clerical establishment ("Iranian academic sentenced to death") [#9460],  [ID 9133]

Document(s): Open document

05.08.2002 - Source: Frankfurter Rundschau

Verlegerin gibt Zeitung aus Angst vor Haftstrafe auf ("Verlegerin gibt Zeitung aus Angst vor Haftstrafe auf") [#8120],  [ID 9134]

31.07.2002 - Source: Amnesty International

Tehran appeals court upheld an 11-year prison sentence against the writer Siamak Pourzand after an unfair trial/ he is said to be in ill-health after suffering a heart attack in detention in May and reportedly has been denied the medical care he requires ("Iran - UA 298/01") [#8077],  [ID 9135]

Document(s): Open document

24.07.2002 - Source: BBC News

The director of the leading reformist newspaper, a senior reform figure who is also a member of the Iranian Parliament, sentenced to six months in jail ("Iran bans reformist newspaper") [#7971],  [ID 9136]

Document(s): Open document

17.05.2002 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

71-year-old Iranian journalist sentenced to 11 years prison/ he was convicted in May of having "undermined state security through having links with monarchists and counter-revolutionaries" ("Reporters Without Borders shocked by 11-year prison sentence on journalist") [#6962],  [ID 9137]

Document(s): Open document

10.05.2002 - Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

2 journalists sentenced to prison, charged of insulting the state, publishing lies, and insulting Islamic institutions in articles the paper had published ("Iran: Journalist sentenced, papers shut down") [#6881],  [ID 9138]

Document(s): Open document

07.05.2002 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Eight-year jail sentence passed on elderly and ailing Iranian journalist Siamak Pourzand / he is charged with having "undermined state security through his links with monarchists and counter-revolutionaries" ("Regime jails journalist for eight years and suspends more publications") [#6726],  [ID 9139]

Document(s): Open document

03.05.2002 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

2002 Annual report ("Iran annual Report 2002 (1/2)") [#6831],  [ID 9140]

Document(s): Open document

03.05.2002 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist sentenced to a 4-month suspended prison sentence for his writing ("Journalist gets four-month suspended jail sentence") [#6698],  [ID 9141]

Document(s): Open document

29.04.2002 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist sentenced to 23 months in prison and a five-years ban on all public and social activity, including journalism for "propaganda against the Islamic regime and its institutions" / another journalist on trual for "insulting Islam" ("23 years jail and a 5 years ban for pro-reform journalist") [#6647],  [ID 9142]

Document(s): Open document

23.04.2002 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist detained incommunicado ("Concern about Siamak Pourzand") [#6576],  [ID 9143]

Document(s): Open document

17.04.2002 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Editor of the weekly sentenced to 8 months in jail and 74 lashes on charges in connection with his journalistic work ("Weekly paper banned, editor ordered to be flogged") [#6545],  [ID 9144]

Document(s): Open document

26.03.2002 - Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

Annual report 2001 ("Attacks on the Press in 2001") [#6200],  [ID 9145]

Document(s): Open document

15.03.2002 - Source: BBC News

Journalist, member of the banned opposition groups, the Freedom Movement and the Religious Nationalist Alliance, released on bail ("Iranian journalist freed on bail") [#6087],  [ID 9146]

Document(s): Open document

14.03.2002 - Source: New York Times

Journalist, director of the Artistic and Cultural Complex in Tehran, has gone on trial behind closed doors, charged with espionage and threatening national security in what is considered part of a new current of repression against intellectuals in Iran ("Hard-Liners Put Iranian Journalist on Trial on Spying Charges") [#5985],  [ID 9147]

Document(s): Open document

13.03.2002 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Journalist arbitrarily detained by security forces ("Iran: "Trial" a Mockery of the Law") [#5936],  [ID 9148]

Document(s): Open document

13.03.2002 - Source: BBC News

An Iranian journalist, editor of the now banned Iran-e-Farda magazine, which advocated greater democracy in Iran, released on bail after being held in prison for more than a year ("Iranian dissident freed on bail") [#5986],  [ID 9149]

Document(s): Open document

21.01.2002 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist, director of Hoviat-é-Khich and Peyam-é-Daneshjou, arrested/ 19 other journalists other journalists presently imprisoned in Iran ("A journalist arrested the trial of ten others goes on in camera") [#5379],  [ID 9150]

Document(s): Open document

08.01.2002 - Source: BBC News

12 dissidents, mostly writers and university professors from the liberal Religious-Nationalist Alliance, accused of plotting against the Islamic system, on trial ("Iranian dissidents' trial begins") [#5142],  [ID 9151]

Document(s): Open document

01.01.2002 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist, known for his strong criticism of the conservative guard, arrested/ 7 journalists, accused of "blasphemy", which is punishable by death, on trial ("Journalist arrested/ Trial to begin for seven others") [#5169],  [ID 9152]

Document(s): Open document

20.12.2001 - Source: Amnesty International

Report focused on violations of freedom of expression (unfair trials and imprisonment of prisoners of conscience) ("A legal system that fails to protect freedom of expression and association") [#5058],  [ID 9154]

Document(s): Open document

18.12.2001 - Source: Washington Post

Cabinet secretary sentenced to 6 months in jail for criticizing a state body that canceled election results/ editor of a banned magazine released from detention ("Iran Official Sentenced to Jail") [#5105],  [ID 9155]

Document(s): Open document

17.12.2001 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

2 journalists sentenced to jail/ dozens of journalists imprisoned, most of whom have still not been tried after months of detention ("Reza Alijani, winner of the 10th Reporters sans Frontières - Fondation de France Prize, freed on bail but two other journalists were sentenced to jail") [#5073],  [ID 9156]

Document(s): Open document

10.12.2001 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Editor-in-chief of the weekly Amin-é-Zanjan, charged with "insulting the justice department", sentenced to 30 lashes and banned from practising for 3 years/ director of the same weekly sentenced to 91 days in jail for publishing ("The editor-in-chief of Amin-é-Zanjan sentenced to 30 lashes and banned from practising for three years") [#4983],  [ID 9157]

Document(s): Open document

11.2001 - Source: Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation

00.11.2001 – ACCORD: Reformist intellectuals targeted by conservative judiciary; new group of potential asylum seekers ("7th European Country of Origin Information Seminar Berlin, 11 - 12 June 2001: Final Report - Iran") [#7661],  [ID 9158]

"In the past years, there have been a series of arrest initiated by the conservative judiciary that have targeted reformist journalists, editors, writers, lawyers, publishers, student leaders, officials close to the President, dissenting clerics partial to the Khatami Government. This is a new development that has introduced a new group of potential asylum seekers with a different profile than in the past years. Recently, President
Khatami has accused the conservative judiciary of misusing its powers to repress any reforms in Iran, typically in form of arbitrary arrests and torture of detainees.

It is clear that when presented with cases of vocal pro-Government intellectuals or with intellectuals criticizing the institution of the Islamic State, the case will need to be examined on an individual basis while keeping in mind the pattern of current arrests and harassment of vocal reformist intellectuals. However, it would be wrong to assume that all intellectuals are being persecuted. Each case will need a careful review."

Document(s): cois2001-irn.pdf

11.2001 - Source: Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation

ACCORD: Arrests of journalists who critically adressed political and social developments ("7th European Country of Origin Information Seminar Berlin, 11 - 12 June 2001: Final Report - Iran") [#7661],  [ID 9159]

"Writers who addressed political and social reform or who were critical of the actions of
political leaders were detained, charged and imprisoned, frequently under vaguely
worded charges. In 2000, at least 30 publications, the majority supportive of reformist
views were suspended by judiciary order. At least 12 journalists, writers and
intellectuals were arrested and tried, usually after unfair trials. More specifically, a
massive clampdown on freedom of expression occurred in the period before the
second round of parliamentary elections in April 2000, before the passing of a very
restrictive Press Code on 18 April 2000 by the outgoing Majles. The new law includes
provisions such as forbidding publication of newspapers that have been suspended
under another name, requiring newspaper licenses to be approved by the Ministry of
Intelligence and the State Security Court‘s power to close down any newspaper
immediately for a two-month period.
Those imprisoned include Mohammed Rheza Khatami, the President’s brother, who
won the highest number of votes in the Tehran constituency in the parliamentary
elections; Fereydun Verdinejad, head of the official news agency IRNA; two presidential
advisers; Faezeh Hashemi, director of the daily Zan magazine; Saeed Hajarian, who
was seriously wounded in an assassination attempt; Mohammed Hassan Ziaifar, the
head of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, who was doing his utmost to establish
an independent and effective human rights body.
Dariush Foruhar from the banned Iran Nation Party, frequent critic of the government, in
particular concerning human rights, and his wife Parvaneh Eskandari were stabbed to
death in their home on 22 November 1998. Majid Sharif, the journalist of Iran-e Farda,
went missing on 20 November 1998 in northeastern Iran. On 26 November, his brother
was summoned to a mortuary in Tehran to identify the body.
Pirouz Davani, a journalist, disappeared and his whereabouts remain unknown.
Mohammed Mokhari, poet and literary critic, disappeared on 3 December 1999. The
body was identified by the family in the Tehran mortuary on 9 December, bearing marks of torture. Another writer, Mohammed Jafar Puyandeh, who, together with other writers,
including Mohammed Mokhari, had participated in an active campaign to establish the
Independent Writers‘ Association, disappeared on 9 December 1999, his body was
found one day later.
Freedom of Expression and Association has certainly been the defining human rights
issue since the latter part of 1998, through to 2001. The closure of the newspaper
Salam (Peace/Hello) in July 1999 resulted in mass demonstrations and numerous
arrests, many of which were arbitrary and resulted in unfair trials. Mashallah
Shamsolvaezin (of Salam and its successor newspapers) and Hojjatoleslam val
Moslemin Abdollah Nouri (of Khordad) were put on trial in November 1999. This was
followed by the wholesale closure of over 20 newspapers in April 2000, with subsequent
closures and frequent arbitrary detentions throughout the year. At the end of 2000, at
least 34 journalists, writers and human rights defenders had been questioned, detained
and tried, some of them tortured. All of them have been adopted as POCs by Amnesty
International."

Document(s): cois2001-irn.pdf

11.2001 - Source: Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation

00.11.2001 – ACCORD: Most reformist publications banned and many journalists, editors and publishers imprisoned by conservative dominated judiciary ("7th European Country of Origin Information Seminar Berlin, 11 - 12 June 2001: Final Report - Iran") [#7661],  [ID 9160]

"The most noticeable effect of President Khatami’s commitment to reforms was the absolute revolution that had occurred in the written press. There was an enormous amount of new publications, newspapers, magazines and for the first time since the establishment of the Islamic Government there was, within certain limits, an unprecedented freedom of expression, criticism of the Government, analysis of political events, exposure of corruption, etc. However, even at that time, freedom of expression was not tolerated if it conflicted with Islamic principles or was considered disloyal to the principles of the Islamic Revolution. However, in the past two years, the conservative
dominated judiciary has banned most reformist publications which had been backing moderate President Khatami and imprisoned many editors, journalists and publishers. The Leader Khamenei has repeatedly attacked the reformist press as bases of the enemy and intervened to stop the Majles from amending a very repressive press law
that had been passed by the outgoing former Majles. The Guardian Council ruled that any change to the existing press law would be against Islam's basic principles and against the Leader's wish. There are still examples of arrests of editors, journalists and writers in 2001 (arrest of Mohsen Saidzadeh, a cleric who had written an article criticizing the strict norms regulating the role of women; death sentence for spying for Morteza Firoozi, former editor of Iran News; three-month detention of Akbar Ganji, editor of the weekly Rah-e-Nau, accused of blasphemy against Ruhollah Khomeiny); closure of newspapers (Jameh).

In the current circumstances it will be necessary to very carefully assess cases of individuals claiming fear of persecution based on their writings. It is evident that in particular writers, journalists, editors and other intellectuals who have challenged the system and those who have openly criticized or questioned the Islamic foundations of the Iranian regime, the Islamic Revolution or have openly attacked the radical
conservative establishment are facing very serious problems such as arrest and detention or face harassment by non-State agents."

Document(s): cois2001-irn.pdf

30.10.2001 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Director of one of the most important newspapers in Iran sentenced to imprisonment/ 18 media professionals are alreday behind bars ("Omid-é-Zanjan banned and its director sentenced") [#4481],  [ID 9161]

Document(s): Open document

27.09.2001 - Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

Release from prison of editor after spending 17 months in prison/ at least 8 other journalists remain in jail because of their journalistic work ("CPJ congratulates press freedom awardee Shamsolvaezin on his release") [#4150],  [ID 9162]

Document(s): 00725ira.htm
Open document

30.08.2001 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist arrested after appearing before the Revolutionary Court in Tehran as a "witness" ("Another journalist behind bars") [#3837],  [ID 9163]

Document(s): 00616ira.htm
Open document

27.08.2001 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalist sentenced to eight years' imprisonment for organising a conference termed "anti-islamic" and "anti-revolutionary" by the Iranian authorities ("A journalist sentenced to eight years' imprisonment") [#3820],  [ID 9164]

Document(s): 00608ira.htm
Open document

23.08.2001 - Source: New York Times

4 political dissidents, members of the National Religious Alliance, released from jail in the past two days/ more than 40 mostly pro-reform publications closed down and dozens of reformist journalists and political activists jailed by hard-liners ("4 Iran Dissidents Released on Bail") [#3730],  [ID 9165]

Document(s): 00596ira.htm
Open document

16.07.2001 - Source: BBC News

Prominent journalist, convicted of damaging state security by attending a conference in Berlin on the future of Iran, jailed for 6 years/ 27 other journalist jailed 21 of them held in unknown locations/ dozens of Mr Khatami's supporters were jailed ("Iran reformist jailed for six years") [#2694],  [ID 9166]

Document(s): 01453iran.htm
Open document

16.07.2001 - Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

Investigative journalist sentenced to six years in jail on charges of collecting confidential information that harms national security and spreading propaganda against the Islamic system ("CPJ Condemns New Jail Term for Iranian Journalist Ganji") [#2838],  [ID 9167]

Document(s): 00360ira.htm
Open document

29.06.2001 - Source: Amnesty International

Journalist arrested and charged with "Taking part in an attempt against the country's internal security through participation in the formation of the Berlin Conference" has allegedly been tortured in prison ("Iran - UA 43/00") [#2342],  [ID 9168]

Document(s): Open document

27.06.2001 - Source: Amnesty International

Managing editor of the now banned journal arrested last year, considered to be at risk of psychological torture ("Iran - UA 182/00") [#2262],  [ID 9171]

Document(s): Open document

26.06.2001 - Source: BBC News

2 student journalists jailed, 15 other people summoned by a court dominated by conservatives in the central city of Yazd ("Iran arrests more student journalists") [#2256],  [ID 9169]

Document(s): 00160irn.htm
Open document

01.06.2001 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Conservative - dominated institutions use arbitrary detention, unfair trial, political violence and restrictions on basic freedoms in order to prevent the reform movement from enacting its programs ("Stifling dissent: The Human Rights Consequences of Inter-Factional Struggle in Iran") [#1966],  [ID 9170]

Document(s): I. Summary
II. Recommendations III. The Constitutional Impasse IV. Muzzling the Press V. Silencing Critics VI. Legal Background VII. Acknowledgements

30.05.2001 - Source: Neue Zürcher Zeitung

Schlag gegen eine Studentenzeitung in Iran ("Schlag gegen eine Studentenzeitung in Iran") [#1866],  [ID 9172]

Document(s): 0628irn.htm
Open document

23.05.2001 - Source: BBC News

Journalist who published a book alleging that state security agents were responsible for serial murders of dissident writers and artists disappeared ("Iranian investigative journalist missing") [#1761],  [ID 9173]

Document(s): 00013.htm
Open document

28.02.2001 - Source: BBC News

Another prominent reformist journalist accused of insulting the Islamic system jailed after unfair trial/At least 24 journalists summoned or persecuted in the past three weeks ("Iranian reformist journalist jailed") [#1352],  [ID 9174]

Document(s): Open document

12.02.2001 - Source: BBC News

Struggle between conservative and reformist factions: Another pro-reform journalist jailed ("Iranian journalist jailed") [#1401],  [ID 9175]

Document(s): Open document

2001 - Source: International Press Institute

Report documenting press freedom violations from 1997 - 2003 ("2003 World Press Freedom Review") [#3298],  [ID 9153]

Document(s): Open document
01745iran.htm

24.07.2000 - Source: Amnesty International

Iran: Clampdown on freedom of expression ("Iran: Clampdown on freedom of expression") [#836],  [ID 9176]

Document(s): Open document

03.05.2000 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Activitists and Intellectuals Detained in Iran for Participating in a Conference ("Activists and Intellectuals Detained in Iran for Participating in a Conference") [#863],  [ID 9177]

Document(s): Open document

19.03.1986 - Source: NetIran

Press Law (Ratified on March 19, 1986) and its Executive By-law (January 31, 1987) ("Press Law (Ratified on March 19, 1986) and its Executive By-law (January 31, 1987)") [#24967],  [ID 9178]

Document(s): Open document