Announcement from the Press Photographers’ Association about the latest status of detained photographers
In line with its professional responsibility, the Press Photographers’ Association deems it necessary to inform the association’s members and the Iranian photography community about the latest conditions of the detained colleagues.
Ms. Yalda Mairi, 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. Mairi has been in detention at Qarchak Prison for over 60 days, and the charges against her have been communicated. She currently has access to phone calls and weekly visits with her family.
Aria Jafari, a photographer for ISNA news agency, was arrested by security forces at his personal residence in Isfahan on Sunday, September 25, 2022. During this time, the charges against him have been communicated, which are related to criminal and revolutionary courts. The acceptance of bail depends on the timing of the revolutionary court hearing. Aria’s family informed the Press Photographers’ Association of Iran that his physical and mental health is good, and he currently has access to phone calls and weekly visits with his family.
Hossein Esmaeili has been detained at the Greater Tehran Prison since Wednesday, October 11. Mr. Esmaeili, who also suffers from an illness, was able to contact a board member of the Press Photographers’ Association of Iran from prison in the early days to inform them about his condition. During this time, he was also able to meet with his family, and his last interrogation session has been conducted. The charges against Hossein Esmaeili have been communicated, and he remains in the Greater Tehran Prison. The date for his court hearing is unknown.
Despite the efforts of the Press Photographers’ Association, unfortunately, at the time of this announcement’s release, it has not been possible to establish contact with the families of Adel Karimi, a press photographer for Hajeh News in Kurdistan, and Mohammad Ramazani, a photographer for ISNA in Khaf, and no further information about their status has been obtained.
The association considers it its responsibility to follow up on the situation of all detained press photographers, whether members or non-members. During this period, it has repeatedly contacted national authorities, including governmental, judicial, and security institutions, to gather information about the detained photographers’ conditions and requested their release. The Press Photographers’ Association of Iran will continue its legal follow-ups and hopes that the conditions for our colleagues’ release will be provided as soon as possible.
