The Islamic Republic’s judiciary has sentenced two women journalists to five years in prison each for their coverage of the September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini while in custody.
Asghar Jahangir, the spokesperson for Iran’s judiciary, announced the issuance of the five-year prison sentences for Elahe Mohammadi and Niloofar Hamedi, two journalists arrested following Amini’s death.
During a press conference on Sunday, Jahangir provided updates on the case, saying, “These two journalists were sentenced to one year in prison for propaganda activities against the Islamic Republic and five years for assembly and collusion against national security.”
He added, “However, in the appeal court, they were acquitted of the charge of collaboration with the hostile U.S. government.”
Jahangir explained, “Considering the issued verdict, the heavier sentence (five years imprisonment) will be applied. Their case has been sent to the relevant authorities for enforcement of the final ruling.”
In January, Hamedi and Mohammadi were released on bail from Evin Prison after spending nearly 400 days in detention.
The judiciary said that both journalists were granted temporary release on $200,000 bail, pending an appeal of their sentences.
Hamedi and Mohammadi were arrested in 2022 shortly after reporting on Mahsa Amini’s death. Initially, Mohammadi had been sentenced to 12 years in prison, while Hamedi had received 13 years.
Interested in writing for IranWire?
Share your stories.
comments