Bailable journalists Nilufar Hamidi and Elaheh Mohammadi Photo: BBC

    

Iran released two imprisoned journalists

The Iranian government has released two women journalists after almost a year in prison. According to Iranian media reports, journalists Nilofar Hamidi (31) and Elaheh Mohammadi (36) have been released.

The journalists appealed against their prison sentences and will remain on bail pending a final decision from the court. The release comes after coverage of the death of Iranian activist Masha Amini, which led to her arrest and legal action against her.

Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian, was arrested by Tehran's morality police for allegedly violating a strict dress code and for participating in protests against his subsequent detention. After being in a coma for three days after his arrest, he tragically died. Her death sparked nationwide protests in Iran, with protesters rallying for women's rights and expressing dissatisfaction with the government. The intense movement continued for several months, ending in late 2022.

Amini's family alleged that he was subjected to severe police brutality during his arrest, which caused him to faint and eventually fall into a coma. Despite Iran's government's chief physician's claim of pre-existing health problems, a UN human rights expert said Amini's death was the result of police brutality.

Nilufar Hamidi, who has now been released, worked for a conservative newspaper in the country and was the first to report Masha Amini's death. Elahe Mohammadi, released, worked for a conservative magazine and reported on the day of Amini's burial, highlighting the emotional impact on the people of his hometown of Saqquez.

Following their coverage and subsequent arrests, both journalists were accused of collaborating with foreign organizations to undermine Iran's security. Hamidy was set on $2 million bail and both face travel bans in addition to their release.

The events surrounding the imprisonment and release of these journalists highlight the challenges facing media professionals and the broader issues of freedom of speech and human rights in Iran.