Iranian Photojournalist Aaliyah Motabalzadeh Arrested During Mashhad Gathering, IFJ Condemns Detention

December 17, 2025 – Iran – 

Iranian authorities detained photojournalist Aaliyah Motabalzadeh on 12 December 2025 in Mashhad, northeastern Iran, in an operation that also swept up a group of activists and human rights defenders, drawing sharp condemnation from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and global press freedom advocates. Motabalzadeh’s arrest occurred as she and others were gathered to mourn the death of prominent human rights lawyer Khosro Alikordi, whose body was discovered in his office earlier in the month. Iranian security forces characterized the detentions as a response to “illegal behaviour” and alleged attacks on police, though independent observers dispute the justification and frame the actions as part of a broader repression of civil society and the press.

According to reports from Motabalzadeh’s family, the photojournalist was subjected to physical violence during her arrest. In a call from detention on 14 December, she informed her daughter that she had been beaten. Family members have also raised urgent concerns about her health, noting that Motabalzadeh has a history of serious illness, including cancer, and requires essential medication related to her previous treatment — medication which she had not received while in custody.

The IFJ, representing journalists and media professionals worldwide, has called for her immediate release as well as for the release of all journalists and media workers detained in Iran. IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger stressed the gravity of Motabalzadeh’s health condition and condemned what the organisation described as “systematic violations of prisoners’ rights.” The federation emphasised that imprisoning journalists and suppressing independent reporting undermines basic human rights and press freedom in Iran.

Press freedom advocates have highlighted that the arrest of Motabalzadeh fits within a broader pattern of state actions targeting journalists, activists, and civil liberties defenders across Iran. Observers point to similar detentions of media professionals and restrictions on independent expression, noting that the environment for journalism in the country remains highly constrained and perilous. Rights groups argue that such tactics not only punish dissenting voices but also instil fear among the wider journalistic community.

The IFJ’s statement alongside the mounting vocal criticism by international press freedom defenders underscores escalating global scrutiny of Iran’s treatment of journalists. Advocates continue to urge Iranian authorities to uphold international standards of due process, ensure detainees’ access to necessary medical care, and release media workers who have been detained solely for performing their professional duties.

Reference –

https://www.ifj.org/media-centre/reports/detail/iran-photojournalist-aaliyah-motabalzadeh-arrested-in-mashhad/category/press-releases