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United Nations

Iran's Crackdown on Journalists and Activists Undermines Human Rights

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Iranian Government's crackdown on journalists and activists has undermined the protection of human rights in the country, according to a UN expert. UN Special Rapporteur Ahmed Shaheed stated that the prosecution of journalists and activists is unacceptable and contradicts international norms relating to freedoms of expression and association. The expert expressed concern over the arrest and trial of Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian and his wife, who were accused of espionage and propaganda against the Islamic Republic.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Iranian Government's crackdown on journalists and activists has been widely condemned by the international community, with UN experts calling for the release of all arbitrarily detained individuals.
  • Journalists and activists, including Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian and children's rights defender Atena Farghdani, have been subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, and trial on charges of espionage, propaganda, and collaboration with hostile governments.
  • The Iranian Government has been accused of violating international norms relating to freedoms of expression and association, as well as the principle of legality in its treatment of journalists and activists.
  • The independent expert has called on the Iranian Government to ensure human rights defenders do not face prosecution for promoting and advancing human rights in the country.
  • Mr. Rezaian has been detained for over 9 months, including 3 months in solitary confinement, without formal charges.
  • Ms. Farghdani was sentenced to 12 years and 9 months in prison for spreading propaganda against the system and insulting members of the Parliament and the Supreme Leader.
  • Ms. Mohammadi has been arrested twice, once in 2012 and again in 2015, for her human rights activism.

Statistics:

  • Over 9 months of detention for Jason Rezaian without formal charges.
  • 12 years and 9 months prison sentence for Atena Farghdani.
  • 6 years prison sentence for Nargis Mohammadi in 2012.
  • 5 May 2015, the date of Ms. Mohammadi's arrest.

Sources:

  • (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX)
  • The Washington Post
  • The National (United Arab Emirates)
  • United Nations Human Rights Council
  • M2 Communications
  • Defenders of Human Rights Centre
  • Step-by-Step to Stop the Death Penalty

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