Iran: CFWIJ welcomes journalist Vida Rabbani’s release

January 5, 2020 – Vida Rabbani, a journalist for Seda Magazine, was released from Evin Prison on bail. Vida was arrested by security forces on December 23rd, 2020, and transferred to the Ministry of Intelligence Detention Center, Ward 209, of Evin Prison. The Coalition For Women In Journalism welcomes the journalist’s release. We urge Iranian authorities to end their arbitrary and unfair practices against journalists and demand justice for those who remain imprisoned. 

According to HRANA news agency, Vida Rabbani, a journalist and member of the Iranian National Unity Party, was released on bail from Evin prison. On November 23, 2020, the security forces arrested the journalist for supporting the mass protests, spurred by the rising petrol prices in mid-November of 2019. 

The news agency reported that Vida announced her hunger strike during a telephone call with her family, which she started on December 5th. Vida was released on bail on December 20, 2020, without revealing the reasons for her arrest or the charges against her. 

However, IFJ sources revealed that the journalist was arrested for tweets she posted about the recent protests in Iran.  The nationwide protests took place on the anniversary of the downing of the Ukrainian commercial flight. 

Vida Rabbani, a journalist for Seda magazine and member of the Iranian National Unity Party in Iran, was previously detained by Iranian authorities. She was arrested on January 16, 1998, along with another member of the party, and was released the same day.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism welcomes Vida’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.