Case Filed Against Ali Pourdaryab, Charges of “Propaganda Against the System” Used as Tool by Regime to Silence Journalists
The Kurdistan Province Prosecutor’s Office has opened a new case against Ali Pourdaryab, a Kurdish journalist, once again resorting to the recurring charge of “propaganda against the system” to pressure an independent reporter. Critics view this action as a continuation of the Islamic Republic’s policy of silencing the voices of journalists, writers, lawyers, and civil activists.
The General and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office of Kurdistan Province has initiated a new legal case against Ali Pourdaryab, an independent journalist and Kurdish citizen residing in the city, charging him with “propaganda against the system.” This charge has been repeatedly used against journalists, writers, lawyers, and civil activists in Iran in recent years, and has been criticized by human rights organizations as a tool for restricting freedom of expression.
According to published information, a formal summons was issued on Saturday, August 1st, requiring the journalist to appear before the judicial authority. According to informed sources, the case has been referred to Branch 16 of the General and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office in Kurdistan Province, and he has been asked to appear within five days to receive the charges and present his defense statements.
In recent years, Ali Pourdaryab has been among independent journalists who have followed and published news related to protests, the legal status of detainees, and the families of those seeking justice. Human rights observers believe that summoning and opening cases against journalists covering such topics effectively increases pressure on independent media and restricts the free flow of information.
International organizations defending press freedom, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), have repeatedly stated that the Islamic Republic uses security laws and charges such as “propaganda against the system,” “assembly and collusion,” or “actions against national security” to prosecute journalists and critics. According to these organizations, this practice contradicts international standards of freedom of expression and media freedom.
The new case against Ali Pourdaryab comes at a time when, in recent years, a considerable number of journalists, writers, lawyers, human rights activists, and civil activists in Iran have faced similar cases. Critics of the Islamic Republic believe that this practice is part of the government’s ongoing policy to silence critical voices and prevent the dissemination of narratives that do not align with the official government narrative.
Human rights activists warn that the continued use of vague and broad charges not only threatens the job security of journalists but also further restricts the space for media activity and citizens’ access to independent information.
