Iran: CFWIJ welcomes journalist Saba Azarpeik’s release

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February 13, 2021, Tehran – Journalist Saba Azarpeik was reportedly released on bail on February 8. She was arrested illegally by The Iranian Cyber Police (FATA) on February 7 for unclear reasons. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) welcomes the release of Saba. However, we demand the Iranian regime to end intimidating journalists solely for doing their job. 

 According to Michael Lipin, Voice of America’s (VOA) correspondent, the journalist was released on bail a day after her arrest.

Saba’s husband Ataullah Hafezi also confirmed the journalist’s release on his Twitter account. He said, “It is my pride and honour that Saba Azarpeik was released on bail. Thank you for the sympathy of all dear ones,”

Saba was reportedly arrested on February 7 for unclear reasons. During the day of her arrest, she was kept in the courthouse for hours for no specific reason and her lawyer's application for bail was not accepted. Ataullah Hafezi posted the day of Saba’s arrest that "While she had been taken to the prosecutor's office, she was shouting for help. She was illegally detained in full force in the presence of four officers," he said.

 Ataullah Hafezi linked his wife's arrest to "suspicious circumstances " and wrote to Ebrahim Raisi, the current Chief Justice of Iran that “What are the suspicious circumstances in the judiciary by the time of your visit and absent in Tehran.” “They are playing tricks and marginalizing the judiciary on the eve of the anniversary of the victory of the revolution?" he added.

 Saba Azarpeik, who has coverage about the corruption of high officials in the Iranian regime, is an investigative reporter. She was arrested before in 2014 for the charges of spreading propaganda against the state and disseminating falsehoods. She was released on bail after 85 days in prison.

 The Coalition For Women In Journalism welcomes Saba’s release and calls upon the Iranian regime to end their intimidation tactics to silence journalists. These arbitrary practices overshadow the press freedom and freedom of expression in the country.