Journalist Fired for Interviewing Mahsa Amini’s Father

Journalist Nazila Maroofian, who was detained after conducting an interview with Mahsa Amini's father, has been fired from her position amid intensified pressure on media workers. 

"I have been dismissed from my newsroom," Maroofian, who has previously been vocal about harassment by security forces, said on Thursday. 

In a revealing tweet, Maroofian detailed her encounter with a special unit of the security services, quoting them as saying, "What's your situation? You dress like that because you're a whore.”

Maroofian was among a number of Iranian journalists arrested while covering Mahsa Amini's death in September 2022. A court case was later initiated against her. 

Two other journalists, Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi, also faced arrest for their coverage of the news and remain incarcerated, facing severe charges.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, a media freedom NGO, Iranian authorities have arrested at least 95 journalists since September 2022, when the death in morality police custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini sparked nationwide protests.

Known for its harsh internet censorship, which includes banning thousands of websites, the Islamic Republic has periodically suppressed or cut internet access for most Iranians to prevent them from accessing and disseminating information online and from safe online communications.

Amini’s died on September 16, after being mistreated in custody and falling into a coma, triggering ongoing nationwide protests against the Islamic Republic.

The security forces have cracked down hard on the demonstrations, killing more than 520 people and unlawfully detaining over 19,000, including dozens of journalists. Following biased trials, the judiciary has handed down stiff sentences, including the death penalty, to protesters.