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January 23, 2025 – Iran –
Iranian journalist and civil rights activist Mehdi Mahmoudian has been imprisoned to serve an eight-month sentence after being convicted of “propaganda against the regime.” The sentence, issued by Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court under Judge Iman Afshari, also includes a two-year travel ban, a ban on smartphone usage, and a prohibition on joining political or social organizations.
Mahmoudian was summoned on February 3, 2025, to the Execution of Sentences Branch, where he was taken into custody and transferred to Evin Prison. His arrest came despite an earlier approval for a one-month delay due to personal obligations. Known for his outspoken criticism of government repression, the judiciary, and social injustice, Mahmoudian’s conviction is widely seen as politically motivated.
This case is emblematic of a broader crackdown in Iran, where authorities are increasingly using vague laws to silence dissent. In particular, Iran’s cybercrime legislation—similar in scope to Tunisia’s controversial Decree-Law 2022-54—has become a favored tool for suppressing independent journalists, online activists, and human rights defenders. Accusations of spreading “fake news,” “insulting the regime,” or “disturbing public opinion” are routinely used to detain and punish those who voice criticism online.
Mahmoudian is no stranger to state persecution. He has been previously detained for his activism and journalism, often focusing on issues such as political prisoners, corruption, and abuses of power. His recent imprisonment, however, underscores a deeper institutional effort to criminalize peaceful expression and dismantle civil society in Iran.
Human rights organizations are calling for his immediate and unconditional release, denouncing his detention as a clear violation of international legal norms protecting freedom of speech and the press. They have also urged the Iranian government to halt its campaign of repression and to repeal or amend laws that enable the arbitrary prosecution of journalists.
Mahmoudian’s case reflects a dangerous climate where truth-telling is punished, and independent journalism is treated as a threat. As Iran tightens its grip on the media and civil discourse, his imprisonment serves as a grim reminder of the price journalists continue to pay for defending the public’s right to know.
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