Iran: Journalist Saeideh Shafiei Begins Unjust Prison Term for Exposing Social Injustices
Shafiei’s arrest highlights ongoing challenges faced by women journalists in Iran
Location: Iran, Tehran
Date: November 19, 2023
Journalist Saeideh Shafiei commenced her three-and-a-half-year prison sentence at Tehran's Evin prison today. Shafiei, known for her investigative reporting on social injustices, faces not only imprisonment but also a two-year ban from political and social activities and travel restrictions post-release. The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands firmly united in solidarity with Saeideh Shafiei and strongly condemns the unjust imprisonment of women journalists who are diligently carrying out their professional duties, as perpetrated by the Iranian regime. We demand the immediate release of these journalists.
Journalist Saeideh Shafiei has begun serving a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence at Tehran's Evin prison, as confirmed by her husband. Shafiei has also been banned from joining political and social organizations for a period of two years and has been prohibited from leaving the country for the same duration.
The imprisonment follows Shafiei's coverage of poverty and discrimination in Iran, which the Iranian authorities deemed as "propaganda against the system" and "collusion against national security." Her sentencing, along with that of fellow journalist Nasim Sultan Beigi, was upheld by Tehran's Court of Appeal on September 18.
Shafiei was first detained at her residence in Tehran on January 22, 2023, by security forces. The details surrounding her arrest and the responsible authority remained undisclosed at the time of her detention but later released on bail. On July 31, 2023, Shafiei was sentenced to four years and three months.
Shafiei's case is yet another example that highlights the ongoing challenges and incessant harassment faced by journalists in Iran, particularly those who dare to shed light on sensitive social and political issues. The detention and subsequent imprisonment of Shafiei raise significant concerns regarding the freedom of the press and the protection of journalists' rights in the country. These concerns have been further exacerbated by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody, highlighting a severe deterioration in the situation.
CFWIJ has been closely monitoring the situation of press freedom. We have documented numerous violations against women journalists in Iran and are deeply concerned about the deteriorating conditions and the increasing targeting of women journalists.
A week prior to Shafiei's imprisonment, at least 20 people, including four journalists, a well-known social activist, and a young girl, were detained by Iranian authorities in the city of Rasht as part of a widespread effort to suppress opposing voices. Notable among the detained journalists were Nasim Tavafzadeh, the editor-in-chief of the Moroor news site, and Helale Natigeh.
Manijeh Moazen, a Tehran-based freelance journalist and translator, was taken into custody at an undisclosed location on November 8. The circumstances surrounding Moazen's arrest remain unclear, as Iranian authorities have not released an official statement clarifying the grounds or potential accusations against her.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism expresses unwavering support for Saeideh Shafiei. We strongly condemn her imprisonment and the imprisonment of other women journalists who have been unjustly targeted for their work. The immediate release of Saeideh Shafiei and her fellow journalists is imperative. Their continued detention is not only a miscarriage of justice for the individuals involved but also a symbol of the repression that journalists face globally when they dare to report on sensitive issues. The suppression of free speech and the silencing of voices that seek to expose social injustices only serve to hinder progress and perpetuate a climate of fear and oppression. We call on the international community to unequivocally condemn these actions and apply pressure on the Iranian government to uphold international human rights standards and to ensure the fair treatment and release of Saeideh Shafiei and all journalists imprisoned for exercising their right to freedom of expression.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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