In a controversial move by the Iranian judiciary, two women Iranian journalists, Elaheh Mohammadi and Niloufar Hamedi, have been sentenced to prison for their reporting on the death of Mahsa Amini. Amini’s tragic death in custody on September 16, 2022, following her arrest by morality police in Tehran for an alleged breach of Iran’s strict dress code, had sparked nationwide protests in the country.
Charges and Sentences:
Elaheh Mohammadi, a 36-year-old reporter for Ham Mihan newspaper, was sentenced to six years in prison for collaboration with the United States. Niloufar Hamedi, a 31-year-old photographer for Shargh newspaper, received a seven-year prison term for the same offense. Additionally, both journalists were handed five-year sentences each for conspiracy charges and one-year sentences for propaganda against the Islamic Republic. These sentences will be served concurrently.
Ongoing Trials:
Mohammadi and Hamedi have been detained in Tehran’s Evin prison since September 2022, and their trials commenced in May. It’s worth noting that the verdict against them is subject to appeal, according to the judiciary’s Mizan Online website.
Controversial Developments:
This sentencing comes in the wake of other controversial developments related to Mahsa Amini’s case. Amini’s lawyer, Saleh Nikbakht, was sentenced to one year in prison on Tuesday for engaging in propaganda against the state and speaking with foreign and local media about the case.
The imprisonment of journalists and legal professionals connected to Mahsa Amini’s case highlights ongoing concerns about freedom of expression in Iran. The verdicts have drawn international attention and raised questions about the Iranian government’s commitment to upholding human rights and free speech.
As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely, waiting to see whether these sentences will be appealed or if there will be any changes in the treatment of those involved in this high-profile case.
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Source: Hindustan Times
