Two Iranian Journalists Handed Prison Terms for “Spreading Lies”

Iranian authorities have handed prison sentences to prominent women journalists Saba Azarpeik and Kimia Fathizadeh.

The Hamshahri newspaper reported on February 26 that Azarpeik was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and barred from using social media platforms on charges of "publishing lies, slander, defamation, threats."

A series of complaints had been lodged against Azarpeik in recent months, including by parliament as well as current and former MPs.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Court of the city of Sirjan sentenced Fathizadeh to six months in prison and a fine for allegedly "disseminating falsehoods."

She was also banned from practicing journalism for a period of two years.