Iran: Photojournalist Aaliyah Motabalzadeh arrested in Mashhad

On 12 December, the Iranian security forces arrested photojournalist Aaliyah Motabalzadeh in Mashhad, a city in the north east of the country, along with a group of activists and human rights defenders. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is calling for Motabalzadeh's release, as well as the release of all journalists and media workers imprisoned in Iran.

Credit: Aaliyah Motabalzadeh's Instagram page.

Photojournalist Aaliyah Motabalzadeh was one of 39 people arrestedin Mashhad on 12 December while mourning the death of human rights lawyer Khosro Alikordi, whose body was foundin his office.

Iranian officials said the reason for the arrests was "illegal behaviour" and attacks on police officers during the gathering.

Motabalzadeh's daughter, Ghazal Abdollahi, saidher mother had called her from prison on 14 December, and told her that she had been beaten and subjected to violence during her arrest. Abdollahi warned that Motabalzadeh requires vital medication due to her cancer history, surgery, and previous chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Motabalzadeh had not received any of this medication at the time of the call.

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: "The Iranian regime must stop prosecuting journalists, human rights' defenders and activists in the country, and halt its systematic violations of prisoners' rights. We are concerned over Motabalzadeh's health condition and urge the authorities to immediately release her and all journalists and media workers imprisoned in the country."