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Amnesty International slams Iran for harsh sentences against journalists, activists

Amnesty International slams Iran for harsh sentences against journalists, activists
posted onSeptember 10, 2019
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Amnesty International has criticized the Islamic Republic of Iran in a statement on Monday over harsh sentences for journalists and activists.

Iran is one of the World’s worst countries in term of freedom of expression.

"These outrageous sentences are just the latest to be meted out by Iran's cruel justice system and expose the authorities' complete disregard for journalists and workers' rights," said Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa Research and Advocacy Director, Philip Luther.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has also condemned heavy jail terms against Iranian journalists, in a report published two weeks ago. They have been followed by Reporters without Border in criticizing the country.

“Iran is now holding more women in connection with their journalistic activities than any other country in the world,” said Reporters without Border. “It is the world’s biggest jailer of women journalists,” the report said.

Amnesty International has called on Iranian authorities to stop violating journalists and activists’ basic rights.

"This disgraceful injustice must be reversed. We call on the Iranian authorities to quash these unjust verdicts and cruel sentences and immediately and unconditionally release all seven individuals," Amnesty’s Luther added.