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February 02, 2026 – Iran –
Iranian authorities have detained two more journalists as part of a broad government crackdown on independent reporting and media coverage of ongoing protests and civil unrest. The arrests, confirmed in early February 2026 by press freedom organisations, underline a sustained pattern of repression that rights groups say is aimed at silencing critical voices and restricting the flow of information within the country.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that the two journalists — whose names have not been publicly disclosed for security reasons — were taken into custody on 1 February in separate incidents tied to their journalistic activities. Family members and sources familiar with the cases say the arrests occurred without a transparent explanation and that the journalists were held for questioning by security forces before being formally detained. CPJ characterised the actions as part of “a widening crackdown on press freedom in Iran.”
Details about the precise charges or alleged legal basis for the detentions have not been made public, a common pattern in Iran where media workers are often arrested under broad or vaguely defined national security statutes. Rights advocates warn that such provisions are frequently used to suppress independent journalism and deter coverage of protests, economic turmoil, and political dissent. The government has not issued an official statement about the recent arrests.
The arrests follow a wave of detentions and press freedom violations linked to demonstrations that erupted across the country in early January 2026, initially sparked by economic grievances and calls for political reforms. Previous reporting by international organisations has documented multiple journalists and media professionals being beaten, summoned by intelligence agents, or imprisoned in the context of the unrest. Several journalists remain in custody facing charges tied to “propaganda against the state” or similar accusations.
Press freedom groups have denounced the arrests as unlawful and urged Iranian authorities to release all detained journalists immediately. In a joint appeal, CPJ and allied organisations highlighted the essential role of independent journalism in informing the public and holding authorities accountable, especially during periods of political tension. They also called on the international community to press Tehran to respect human rights norms and ensure transparency in legal proceedings affecting media workers.
The situation reflects escalating risks faced by journalists in Iran, where press freedom has long been constrained by restrictive laws, censorship, and state surveillance. Observers continue to monitor developments closely as the detentions raise fears of further suppression of independent reporting on domestic unrest.
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