Iran Writers Association Condemns ‘Recent Wave of Repression’
The Iranian Writers Association on Wednesday, July 22, issued a statement titled ‘Protest Against Recent Wave of Repression,’ condemning the organized and continuous pressure exerted by the authorities on writers, artists, and professional and civil activists.
The organization, referring to the detention of several November 2019 justice seekers and Mohammad Rasoulof, Mostafa Al-Ahmad and Jafar Panahi, as well as accusations and legal cases against them, wrote: ‘In recent months, organized pressure by the authorities on writers, artists, and professional and civil activists has continued.’
The association further criticized the approach of news agencies close to or affiliated with the Islamic Republic in covering news related to recent arrests, stating: ‘In the midst of these raids, government news agencies, as always, have engaged in publishing false news and have shown no restraint in making accusations and building legal cases.’
The organization concluded by calling for ‘unconditional’ release of recently detained individuals and all political and ideological prisoners.
On July 8, the IRNA news agency reported the detention of Mohammad Rasoulof and Mostafa Al-Ahmad, two renowned filmmakers, describing their charges as ‘links with counter-revolution, incitement, and disrupting the psychological security of society.’
Simultaneously, Mehr news agency reported the detention of Mostafa Tajzadeh, former deputy interior minister in Mohammad Khatami’s government and a prominent reformist figure, attributing to him the charge of ‘assembly and conspiracy against national security.’
Source: Radio Farda
