The danger for journalists in Iran is increasing. Since the nationwide protests began a month ago, the regime in Iran has arrested 33 journalists and reporters. 29 of them are still in custody, including 10 women. This is reported by the organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which campaigns worldwide for freedom of the press and against censorship.
“Anyone who is currently suspected of working as a journalist in Iran will be locked away,” said RSF Managing Director Christian Mihr. “Tehran is taking action against independent media workers at an alarming rate, and more of them are currently being imprisoned than they have been in over 20 years.”
Iran ranks 178th out of 180 for press freedom
One of the first journalists to be detained in connection with the protests was Nilufar Hamedi. The reporter of the Reform newspaper Shargh drew attention to the fate of 22-year-old Mahsa Jina Amini very early on. At least 13 media workers were arrested when Iranian security forces raided their homes. In order to prevent independent reporting, the Iranian authorities are currently also severely restricting Internet access. They also attempt to prevent virtual private networks (VPNs), which provide a secure, encrypted connection to the Internet.
The Iranian authorities have been cracking down on journalists and reporters for years. Iran ranks 178th out of 180 in Reporters Without Borders’ press freedom rankings – only Eritrea and North Korea pose greater threats to independent journalists.