United States Agency for Global Media

VOA denounces the arrests of multiple journalists in Iran

September 26, 2022

Washington, D.C. — Voice of America is dismayed by the arrests in Iran of several journalists covering mass protests in Tehran and other Iranian cities, including clashes between security forces and protesters over the death of 22-year-old, Mahsa Amini who died while under custody of the local morality police.

International rights organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, say that at least 20 journalists are arrested. Among those detained is Navid Jamshidi, a member of the International Federation of Journalists, the Tehran Journalists Guild and editor-in-chief of the website AsiaNews.ir.

Mr. Jamshidi, a recent guest on VOA Persian, was arrested at his Tehran home on September 24, by Iranian security services, who stated no reason for his detention. Agents forcibly entered the journalist’s home and confiscated his laptop computer, smartphone and notes.

At least seven female journalists are among those detained, according to the Coalition For Women In Journalism, which says Iran is one of the most dangerous places for women who work in media.

“Iran is one of the world’s most repressive countries for journalists,” said Acting VOA Director Yolanda López. “The Iranian people deserve unfettered access to information. Voice of America stands with our fellow journalists in Iran and hopes for their safe release, because a free press matters.”

VOA remains committed to confronting the disinformation and censorship efforts of the Iranian regime by providing accurate and objective news and information to the people of Iran.

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