Iranian government policy announcements or legal changes

Iranian-American Journalist Reza Valizadeh Sentenced to 10 Years by Tehran's Revolutionary Court for Radio Farda Work

Dec 14, 2024, 11:25 AM

Reza Valizadeh, an Iranian-American journalist and former reporter for Radio Farda, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by Tehran's Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. The court convicted Valizadeh of 'collaborating with a hostile government' for his work with Radio Farda, a U.S.-government-funded broadcaster. In addition to the prison term, Valizadeh faces supplementary penalties including a two-year ban on leaving the country, prohibition from residing in Tehran and neighboring provinces, and restrictions on membership in political and social groups. Valizadeh, who returned to Iran to visit his family, was detained by security forces after his arrival, despite earlier assurances from some security forces that he would face no issues. His lawyer, Mohammad Hossein Aghasi, has noted that despite the completion of preliminary investigations, Valizadeh remains denied transfer to the public section of Evin Prison and visitation rights with his family.