In a complex turn of events, Iran has issued a new prison sentence for Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi while temporarily releasing journalists Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi. These legal actions showcase the ongoing challenges faced by activists and media personnel in the country.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi, renowned for her advocacy for women’s rights in Iran, has been handed an additional 15-month prison sentence. The charges include “spreading propaganda” against the Iranian regime, marking Mohammadi’s fifth conviction since 2021. The sentence also entails two years of exile outside Tehran and neighboring provinces, a two-year travel ban, and restrictions on social-political group memberships and smartphone usage. Mohammadi, currently serving a ten-year and nine-month sentence, has been a persistent critic of the compulsory hijab policy and has faced additional penalties for her activism behind bars.
Simultaneously, two journalists, Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi, have been temporarily released on bail. Convicted in October for their coverage of the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, the journalists are awaiting the verdict on their appeals. Arrested in September 2022, their release on bail, set at nearly $200,000 each, comes with the condition of a ban on leaving the country. Their imprisonment followed protests sparked by Amini’s death in the custody of Iran’s morality police, raising concerns about the treatment of detainees and freedom of the press in the country.
Mohammadi’s latest conviction adds to her tumultuous history of legal battles. As a vocal critic of the Iranian government’s policies, including compulsory hijab and alleged sexual assaults in prison, she has consistently faced imprisonment and punitive measures. Her commitment to human rights and gender equality has garnered international recognition, but it has come at a significant personal cost, with her spending the majority of the past two decades behind bars.
These legal actions against Mohammadi and the journalists highlight the challenging environment for activists and media professionals in Iran. The government’s response to dissent, criticism, and coverage of sensitive incidents underscores broader concerns about freedom of expression and the treatment of individuals advocating for social and political change.
Source: CNN