Iran: Hundreds of journalists demand release of two colleagues imprisoned in Evin prison



CNN

Hundreds of Iranian journalists are calling for the release of colleagues Nilufar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi, who were arrested and sent to Tehran prison Evin to cover death of Mahsa AminiThis is reported by the independent Iranian newspaper Etemad.

“Freedom of the media is a right not only for journalists, but also for society,” said a statement released Sunday, signed by more than 300 Iranian journalists, photographers and media activists.

The arrests are the Iranian regime’s latest attempt silent disagreementas he tries to suppress protests that shook the country in recent weeks.

“Our society has the right to know what is happening, in a timely manner, without censorship or filters, and also has the right to question any person or institution that leads to inefficiency, corruption or violates the law,” the statement said.

“Iran’s great society will not be able to deal with the complex threats in today’s world without responsible citizens like Nilufar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi, as well as other imprisoned journalists.”

On the front page is a letter signed by hundreds of Iranian journalists calling for the release of Nilufar Hamedi and Elah Mohammadi.

The response came after Iranian intelligence on Friday accused two journalists of studying abroad and passing information to foreign media.

Iranian intelligence accused Hamedi of using her role as a journalist “as a front” to foment dissent.

“She was one of the first to arrive at the hospital. [where Mahsa Amini was taken] and provoked the relatives of the dead and published targeted news,” the intelligence report said.

“The first photo of the late Mahsa Amini in a hospital bed was published by the publication [Niloofar Hamedi] and she has taken courses abroad,” the statement said.

“[Elaheh Mohammadi] also studied in American courses abroad. Both of them played the role of the main source of news for foreign media.”

Mehdi Rahmanian, CEO of Sharh newspaper, Nilufar Hamedi’s employer, released a statement denying that Nilufar published a photograph of Mahsa Amini in a hospital bed.

Nilufar’s husband, Mohammad Hossein Ajorloo, tweeted that the only photo Nilufar posted was of two members of Mahsa Amini’s family hugging after learning of her death in vice squad guarded.

At least 46 journalists have been jailed in Iran since protests began over the death of Mahsa Amini, according to the NGO Committee to Protect Journalists.

Nilufar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi remain in Evin Prison and have yet to face public charges.