Iran frees Niloufar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi, jailed for covering Mahsa Amini death
Iran has released two female journalists, Niloufar Hamedi, 31, and Elaheh Mohammadi, 36, who had been imprisoned for over a year for covering the death of Mahsa Amini, an incident that sparked nationwide protests.
The reporters, associated with the reformist newspapers Shargh and Ham-Mihan, were granted bail and are currently awaiting a court decision while appealing their jail sentences.
Mahsa Amini died in custody after being detained by Iran’s morality police for allegedly violating dress code rules.
Although Iranian state authorities attributed her death to pre-existing medical conditions, a UN human rights expert concluded that she died “as a result of beatings” by morality police.
The journalists, arrested shortly after the protests began, faced charges of collaborating with the US government and conspiring against national security, resulting in prison sentences of 13 and 12 years, respectively.
Footage on social media showed the released journalists hugging family and friends after their release.
Reports said bail had been set at $200,000 (£155,000) and the women have been banned from leaving the country.
