Detained Anthropologist Kameel Ahmady Worked Independently and Transparently, Says Wife

Iranian-British anthropologist Kameel Ahmady has had no contact with his family since he was detained in Tehran on August 11, 2019.

AUGUST 14, 2019

Except for a one-minute phone call from Evin Prison, Iranian-British social anthropologist Kameel Ahmady has had no contact with his family since he was detained on August 11, 2019, the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) has learned.

The authorities have also refused to tell his family why he was detained.

“Why Should We Be Silent?” Colleagues Condemn Photographer’s Unjust Detention

Film and theater photographer Nooshin Jafari has been detained at an undisclosed location in Tehran since August 4, 2019.

AUGUST 15, 2019

Nooshin Jafari’s Supporters Push Back Against Social Media Smear Campaign 

Several members of Iran’s film industry have spoken out against the detention of Nooshin Jafari, a film and theater photographer, who has been detained at an undisclosed location in Tehran since August 4, 2019.

The authorities have meanwhile refused to provide information about her to her family since she was arrested, the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) has learned.

Iran Cracks Down on Instagram Celebrities as It Tightens Noose on Freedom of Speech and Expression

AUGUST 16, 2019

Investigations by the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) indicate that dozens of Iranians with large followings on Instagram—including athletes, fashion models and actors—were summoned by security officials in 2019 and in some cases charged with crimes for the content of their posts.

Although most were ultimately released on bail, many were forced to hand over control of their Instagram accounts by revealing their passwords.

Some of the targeted individuals, fearing jail time, ultimately suspended or severely limited their online posts as well as removed old posts that could be interpreted as “immoral” according to state dictates.

Six-Year Prison Sentence Upheld Against Journalist Who Was Denied Right to Fair Trial

AUGUST 16, 2019

An Appeals Court in Tehran has upheld a six-year prison sentence against political journalist Hamed Aynehvand without holding a hearing, his lawyer, Hossein Bayat, informed the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) on August 13, 2019.

“Before the preliminary court’s decision, there were people who told me not to bother because for sure Hamed was going to get six years in prison and the Appeals Court would go along with it,” he told CHRI. “And that’s what happened.”