Announcement from the Press Photographers’ Association regarding the latest situation of detained photographers
In line with its professional responsibility, the Press Photographers’ Association finds it necessary to inform the association’s members and the Iranian photography community about the latest conditions of the detained colleagues.
Ms. Yalda Moayeri, who was arrested on September 19, 2022, on Hejab Street, was initially transferred to Qarchak Prison, then to Evin Prison, and again to Qarchak Prison. Ms. Moayeri, after more than 60 days, is still detained in Qarchak Prison, and the charges against her have been communicated. She currently has the opportunity for phone calls and weekly visits with her family.
Aria Jafari, a photographer for ISNA news agency, was arrested by security forces at his home in Isfahan on Sunday, September 25, 2022. During this time, the charges against him, which relate to criminal and revolutionary courts, have been communicated. Acceptance of the bail depends on the holding of the revolutionary court. Aria’s family informed the Press Photographers’ Association of Iran that his physical and mental condition is good, and he currently has the opportunity for phone calls and weekly visits with his family.
Hossein Esmaeili has been detained in Greater Tehran Prison since Tuesday, October 11. Mr. Esmaeili, who also suffers from an illness, was able to contact a member of the board of directors of the Press Photographers’ Association of Iran in the early days to inform them of his situation. During this time, he was also able to meet with his family, and his latest interrogation session has been completed. The charges against Hossein Esmaeili have been communicated, and he remains in Greater Tehran Prison. The date of the court hearing is unknown.
Despite the efforts of the Press Photographers’ Association, unfortunately, up to the moment of this announcement’s release, it has not been possible to communicate with the families of Adel Karimi, a press photographer for the Hajeh news outlet in Kurdistan, and Mohammad Ramazani, a photographer for ISNA in Khaf, and no further information about their situation has been obtained.
The association considers it its responsibility to follow the conditions of all detained press photographers, both members and non-members, and during this time, it has repeatedly contacted national authorities, including governmental, judicial, and security bodies, to gather information about the detained photographers’ conditions and request their release. The Press Photographers’ Association of Iran will continue its legal pursuits and hopes that the conditions for the release of our colleagues will be provided as soon as possible.