An Iranian-American journalist named Reza Valizadeh has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. A court in Iran found him guilty of working with a government that Iran considers hostile, which is the United States. Valizadeh used to work for Voice of America’s Farsi service, which is funded by the U.S. government, and also for Radio Farda.
His lawyer, Mohammad Hossein Aghasi, said the court’s decision can be challenged in an appeal within 20 days. He mentioned he has not been able to meet Valizadeh since the court’s decision was made public.
Before his sentencing, Valizadeh posted messages saying he returned to Iran after being away for 13 years, without any security guarantee. He arrived in Tehran in March 2024. Aghasi mentioned that Valizadeh was free for the first six months after his return, but was then arrested.
This news comes after another former journalist, Kianoosh Sanjari, died by jumping from a building in Iran. He protested against the country’s leader and demanded the release of four prisoners.
Additionally, years of unrest in Iran have continued, especially following the 2022 protests after the death of Mahsa Amini. The economy is also suffering, with many people struggling due to the weak rial currency.
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