Iranian journalist Maziar Bahari, the keynote speaker at this year’s Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards, has reportedly been subject to threats by Iranian officials
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CPJ’s latest monthly census reveals that as of April 1, about 35 journalists were imprisoned as a result of the Iranian government’s post-election media crackdown. Although 18 more journalists were temporarily released for the Iranian New Year they are expected to be returned to prison soon. Iran currently has the most incarcerated journalists in the world. To sign a petition to help release the journalists in Iran, click here.
In past month many Iranian journalists and bloggers have been released on bail by authorities before the start of the Iranian New Year. Those currently on bail include Sasan Aghaei, Ali Moazemi, Kivan Farzin, Behrangh Tonkaboni, Arvin Sedaghat Kish, Hamid Mafi, Ehsan Mehrabi, Naimeh Dostar, Bahaman Ahamadi Amoee, Kivan Samimi Behbani and Saide Lylaz. However, several other journalists were denied bail or the right to visit during the festival period, including Masud Lavassani, Mehdi Mahmudian and Emadoldin Baghi. For more information about imprisoned journalists in Iran, please help support the campaign Our Society Will Be A Free Society.
EU foreign ministers have described the current situation in Iran as “unacceptable”, in a joint statement they call for an end to the jamming of satellite broadcasts from international news networks. In the crackdown since Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s disputed re-election, dozens of journalists and campaigners have been arrested, including Ali Kanturi, a young student activist who fled Iran and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment in his absence, and journalist Emadeddin Baghi who has been detailed by the Iranian authorities. See the “Our Society Will Be a Free Society” campaign for more information.