Iranian Journalists Summoned to Begin Prison Sentences

The Islamic Republic's authorities have summoned Niloofar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi, journalists for the Shargh and Hammihan newspapers, to begin serving their five-year prison sentences.

Asghar Jahangir, the spokesperson for Iran's judiciary, announced the sentences last week. He said, “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.”

Hamedi's lawyers said in an interview with Shargh on Saturday that she has been given five days to present herself to Evin Prison to begin her sentence.

They said, "She should qualify for amnesty under Iranian law. However, a new enforcement order was issued today, requiring her to report to prison."

"Regardless of the validity of the charges against Ms. Hamedi, she should qualify for amnesty under the same law that sentenced her to five years," they argued.

The lawyers hoped "the sentence will be halted with the judiciary and government's follow-up."

The Hammihan newspaper reported that Elahe Mohammadi had also received a notice to begin her five-year prison sentence. The enforcement order issued on October 19 gave her five days to report to Evin Prison.

In January, Hamedi and Mohammadi were released on bail from Evin Prison after spending nearly 400 days in detention. The judiciary said both journalists were granted temporary release on $200,000 bail, pending an appeal of their sentences.

Hamedi and Mohammadi were arrested in 2022 after reporting on Mahsa Amini's death. They were initially sentenced to 13 and 12 years, respectively.