Iran must clean-up up it’s Human Rights abuse and free detainees if it is to have credible voice in the region

As Iran Celebrates Journalists’ Day, Many Journalists Remain Imprisoned
Washington – August 5, 2011

As Iranians commemorate Journalists’ Day on August 8 (17th of Mordad in the Iranian calendar), Iran remains one of world’s most dangerous countries for reporters. Freedom House condemns the Iranian regime’s ongoing crackdown on journalists and calls for the release of Bahman Ahmadi Amouee and all other journalists who remain unfairly imprisoned.

“When journalists are not free to do their job – i.e., hold authorities up to scrutiny — governments are then free to rule without consequences,” said Freedom House president, David J. Kramer. “The Iranian government’s ongoing crackdown on journalists is a shameful attempt to prevent citizens from understanding the regime’s true nature. Freedom House stands in solidarity with all wrongfully imprisoned journalists in Iran and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.”

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’s 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’s Evin prison. …more