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Iran

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From the Communiqué

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IFEX members spearhead campaign to release imprisoned Iranian journalists

A coalition of IFEX members launched a campaign last week on the 31st anniversary of the Iranian revolution, to pressure the government of Iran to release journalists and activists imprisoned for exercising their right to free expression. The "Our Society Will Be a Free Society" campaign is named for a pledge that Ayatollah Khomenei made during the 1979 Iranian Revolution to protect freedom of expression and the press.

Systematic suppression of dissent continues

Iranian authorities are carrying out a lethal campaign to silence independent journalists and critics, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Two Iranian netizens and human rights activists are possibly facing the death penalty. RSF has accused the Iranian regime of crimes against humanity.

Journalists and opposition critics rounded up; 42 imprisoned

Iranian authorities have been on the hunt for prominent independent journalists and opposition figures in a new wave of arrests that began a day after opposition demonstrations took place countrywide on 27 December 2009, report IFEX members. Iran is now the world's biggest prison for media with 42 journalists behind bars as of this week, says Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

ARTICLE 19 launches Iranian blog, Azad Tribune

The Iranian regime views any expression of dissent as opposition that must be controlled, with tighter controls on mass communication, bans on foreign press and deadly responses to peaceful protest, says ARTICLE 19. Opposition publications are routinely muzzled

Protesters ferociously attacked; dissidents hunted down

Iranian authorities have meticulously carried out total control of news and information in the last week, gearing up for National Students' Day on 7 December, reports Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Recently, two prominent journalists were sentenced to lengthy prison terms, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Others are being summoned for interrogation or simply arrested.

Torture of opposition critics and journalists continues; free speech monitored online

A UN human rights committee accused the Iranian government on 20 November of ramping up its use of torture, flogging and amputation of dissidents, reports Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The government has also launched a new Web Crime Unit, policing one of the last spaces for free expression in Iran as it attempts to tighten its control over information, ideas and opinions, reports ARTICLE 19.

Campaigns and Advocacy

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Help free imprisoned journalists

Leading press freedom and free expression groups are asking for your support to help free imprisoned journalists, writers and bloggers in Iran. Since the disputed June elections, there has been a brutal crackdown on dissent. In response, a coalition of free expression organisations has launched a petition drive calling for the release of those imprisoned. More dissidents are in prison in Iran than in any other country in the world: out of at least 60 political prisoners, 47 of them are journalists. Generally, prisoners are held incommunicado and some are tortured.

Free expression groups call on Iran to open door to UN rights experts

Tehran's envoy backtracked on his invitation to the UN's special rapporteurs to visit and investigate claims of rights abuses.

Free press and free expression organisations to Iran: release jailed journalists, writers

A coalition of international journalists', writers', and publishers' organisations has launched a campaign to press the government of Iran to release their imprisoned colleagues.

Campaigners call on Europe to press Iran over human rights abuses

In a meeting at the European Parliament, IFJ and other groups called for the release of jailed journalists, writers, trades unionists and dissidents.

ARTICLE 19 launches Azad Tribune - an online platform to encourage free expression

On International Human Rights Day, ARTICLE 19 launched an interactive website to encourage networking among bloggers, journalists and activists in Iran.

Four journalists receive Hellman/Hammett grants

Four Iranians are among 37 writers receiving the Hellman/Hammett award, recognising their commitment to free expression and courage in the face of persecution.