As Iran Celebrates Journalists\u2019 Day, Many Journalists Remain Imprisoned
\nWashington – August 5, 2011<\/p>\n
As Iranians commemorate Journalists\u2019 Day on August 8 (17th of Mordad in the Iranian calendar), Iran remains one of world\u2019s most dangerous countries for reporters. Freedom House condemns the Iranian regime\u2019s ongoing crackdown on journalists and calls for the release of Bahman Ahmadi Amouee and all other journalists who remain unfairly imprisoned.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen journalists are not free to do their job \u2013 i.e., hold authorities up to scrutiny — governments are then free to rule without consequences,\u201d said Freedom House president, David J. Kramer. \u201cThe Iranian government\u2019s ongoing crackdown on journalists is a shameful attempt to prevent citizens from understanding the regime\u2019s true nature. Freedom House stands in solidarity with all wrongfully imprisoned journalists in Iran and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.\u201d<\/p>\n
In particular, Freedom House is worried by the continued imprisonment of Bahman Ahmadi Amouee. A prominent journalist, Bahman was arrested on June 20, 2009 in the aftermath of Iran\u2019s disputed presidential election. The Iranian regime detained Bahman and his journalist wife, Jila Baniyaghoub, after they wrote articles critical of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Jila was released after two months. Bahman remains in Tehran\u2019s Evin prison. …more<\/a><\/p>\n