Jailed Iranian Journalist Denied Legal Counsel, Family Visits

The Islamic Republic's authorities have not allowed incarcerated journalist Mehdi Afsharnik, lodged in Tehran's Evin prison, to meet with his lawyer or family.

The Defending the Free Flow of Information organization, citing a reliable source, reported, "Despite the journalist's wife and lawyer making repeated visits to the Evin Prosecutor Office, judicial authorities have refused to provide a clear explanation for the arrest and the charges against Mehdi Afsharnik."

According to the report, Afsharnik remains incarcerated in Evin prison without access to legal counsel or family visits. 

The lack of information about the journalist's well-being has heightened his family's concerns.

Afsharnik was arrested and taken to Evin prison in February. The judiciary has confirmed his arrest twice, yet they have not disclosed the reasons for it.

Masoud Setayeshi, the judiciary spokesperson, said during a press conference last month that the arrest of this economic journalist is unrelated to his media activities. 

"There are significant issues in the case, and it is still in the preliminary investigation stage," he said. 

During this press conference, Setayeshi did not elaborate on the reasons for the arrest or the charges against Afsharnik. 

Previously, the judiciary news agency, Mizan, had also released a brief statement saying that the arrest of Afsharnik is not connected to his profession.

Afsharnik, a well-respected journalist who has worked for various publications, including Etemad and Shargh newspapers, has also authored a book and produced documentaries.

He had also faced arrest in the past.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Iran has imprisoned 17 journalists till December 1, 2023.