Iranian journos who broke Amini’s murder story face new case for flouting hijab after temporary release from prison

Iran’s two female journalists, who broke the story of Mahsa Amini’s murder in custody that ignited Iran’s Woman Life Freedom uprising, face a new case after they appeared without a hijab upon their temporary release from prison on Sunday, according to a report.

Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi were released temporarily after posting hefty bails of approximately $200,000, according to Iran International.

After 16 months of unjust imprisonment, heroic journalists #ElahehMohammadi & #NiloofarHamedi who broke the story of #MahsaAmini’s murder in custody that ignited Iran’s #WomanLifeFreedom uprising, have been released on heavy bail while they appeal their lengthy sentences. pic.twitter.com/nmOOoLizbd

— Nazanin Boniadi (@NazaninBoniadi) January 14, 2024

“After footage of the defendants without hijab was released online, a new case has been filed against them,” Reuters quoted the judiciary’s Mizan news agency as saying referring to a video widely shared on social media showing the two women celebrating their release with family outdoors.

Mohammadi faces a 12-year sentence, 6 years executable, and Hamedi, 13 years with 7 years executable, reported  Iran International.

Hamedi’s arrest on 22 September, 2022, followed her reporting on Amini’s critical situation in the hospital, after she received serious head injuries in hijab police custody. Amini’s eventual death sparked nationwide protests. A week later, Mohammadi, a Ham-Mihan newspaper reporter, was arrested covering Amini’s funeral in Saqqez. Accused of informing about Amini’s death, both faced pressure from security entities, added the report.

Amini was detained on charges of violating rules mandating women to wear a hijab. While Iran’s state coroner claimed her death was due to pre-existing medical conditions, a UN human rights expert argued that evidence pointed to her dying “as a result of beatings” by morality police.

Hamedi, a Shargh newspaper journalist, was convicted of collaborating with the US government (7 years), conspiracy against national security (5 years), and anti-regime propaganda (1 year).

Mohammadi, received a 6-year sentence for collaborating with the US, 5 years for conspiracy against national security, and 1 year for anti-system propaganda, with 6 years to be executed.

Both also face a two-year prohibition of membership in parties and political groups, online activities, and media engagement.

With inputs from agencies