The court ruled that the two journalists were guilty of three charges: "cooperation with the US government as a hostile country to Iran", "assembly and collusion to commit crimes against Iran’s security", and "propaganda activity against the Islamic Republic of Iran".
Hamedi, a reporter for Shargh Daily, and Mohammadi, reporter for Hammihan newspaper, were among the first to cover the death and the funeral of the 22-year old Mahsa Amini on 16 September 2022 that sparked nationwide protests across numerous cities in Iran.
The Revolutionary Court sentenced Mohammadi to 6 years in jail and Hamedi to 7 years. The court then added to each journalist’s sentence an additional 5 years in prison for “acting against the national security” and a year for propaganda. The two journalists have been in pretrial detention since September 22, 2022 and their trials were held behind closed doors. The sentencing can be appealed within 20 days.
According to an IFJ report published on 16 September 2022, at least 100 journalists have been arrested and imprisoned in Iran in the past year. Many received long sentences or were forced to leave their jobs. At least eight media outlets have faced restrictions due to pressure from security institutions or the government. More than 20 journalists have been sentenced to prison on charges such as producing propaganda against the regime and acting against the country's security.
IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: “The ruling against Niloofar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi is as shocking as it is unjust – as isthe Iranian authorities’ constant targeting of journalists. We urge the Iranian court to drop all charges against Hamedi and Mohammadi and let journalists report freely in accordance with international instruments by which Iran should abide.”