International Condemnations of Iran Over the Confirmation of Journalist Vali Zadeh’s 10-Year Prison Sentence
Hussain Hazbavi 
CPJ Condemns 10-Year Prison Sentence for Iranian-American Journalist Reza Vali Zadeh
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has condemned the confirmation of a 10-year prison sentence for Reza Vali Zadeh, a former journalist for “Radio Farda” and an Iranian-American citizen detained in Iran.
In a statement issued on Thursday, January 30, CPJ demanded the immediate release of Vali Zadeh, emphasizing that Iranian authorities must prove they are not using dual nationality as a tool for political pressure.
In recent years, many Iranian and international political figures have warned against Iran’s “hostage-taking policy,” which involves arresting citizens from other countries.
CPJ also called on Iranian authorities to create conditions that allow all journalists to carry out their work freely and safely.
Reza Vali Zadeh’s Statements from Evin Prison
On January 26, Reza Vali Zadeh sent a voice message from Evin Prison referencing a U.S. government statement that deemed his arrest and conviction unlawful. He criticized the U.S. State Department for failing to take effective steps to follow up on his case.
His lawyer, Mohammad Hossein Aghasi, announced on Wednesday, January 29, via social media that the Tehran Court of Appeals upheld the original 10-year sentence. Aghasi stated, “The court’s decision merely confirmed the initial ruling, but perhaps an appeal could open the eyes of justice.”
He added that Vali Zadeh was sentenced by the Revolutionary Court to 10 years in prison, along with additional penalties, including a ban on residing in Tehran and surrounding areas, a travel ban, and a two-year prohibition from joining political parties.
On November 21, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, confirmed Vali Zadeh’s arrest and stated that the ministry was in contact with relevant authorities to follow up on the matter.
On January 22, the Organization for the Defense of Freedom of Information reported that Iran carried out 385 legal and security actions against journalists and media outlets in 2024. These actions targeted at least 256 journalists, significantly harming press freedom in the country.
Iran’s Ongoing War on Journalism
Iran has long waged a systematic war against journalism, using arbitrary arrests, harsh prison sentences, and intimidation tactics to silence journalists. The Iranian regime routinely accuses independent reporters of crimes such as “acting against national security” or “spreading propaganda against the state.” Many journalists face prolonged imprisonment, forced confessions, and exile, effectively crippling independent media in the country.
The Iranian government also exploits dual-national journalists as bargaining chips in diplomatic negotiations, a tactic widely condemned as state-sanctioned hostage-taking.
With the press under constant threat, Iran remains one of the most dangerous countries for journalists. Reports from human rights organizations consistently rank it among the world’s worst violators of press freedom.
