NASIM SOLTANBEYGI

Journalism Award | Nominee | Freedom of Expression Awards

Nasim is a woman human rights defender and journalist working on women’s rights issues in Iran. As a journalist for over 15 years, Nasim has focused on politics, women’s rights and social issues for Iranian journals, newspapers, and news agencies. She also shares news and commentary on her social media accounts. She has been arrested three times: in 2006 during a peaceful gathering for women’s rights; in 2007 for her work on the rights of university students and in 2012 when she was arrested and served a one-year sentence.

On 11 January 2023, she was arrested at the airport by intelligence agents following the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests. During the protests, Nasim had contacted foreign journalists to ensure the story of the protests and the clampdown reached international audiences. Nasim alleges that this was one of the reasons authorities arrested her as they asked about these connections when they interrogated her. She was arbitrarily detained for one month, before being released on bail. In July 2023, Nasim was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison on the charge of “gathering and colluding against national security” and eight months in prison on the charge of “propaganda against the state”. The sentence, which included a two-year ban on leaving the country and a two-year ban on joining a political group or assembly, was upheld on appeal. While in prison, she continued her resistance to censorship by singing a song to a contact through the prison’s telephone. This led to her being banned from using the telephone and meeting others for more than one month. During her time in prison, some judges and judicial authorities visited the institution to take part in a media photo-op. However, Nasim and other inmates protested against the visit and succeeded in getting them to leave the building. As a result of this protest, the prison authorities deprived Nasim from using the telephone for one month. After four months, she was released due to medical reasons.

"I wish to express my gratitude for being shortlisted for the Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Award. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the jury panel for their dedicated attention to the pressing issue of censorship faced by Iranian journalists. Your commitment to highlighting these critical challenges is commendable and vital for fostering a more open and just society. I appreciate being considered for this award and wish all the best for all the nominees in their endeavours and the organisation for their efforts in continuing their mission."