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Despite its rich cultural and literary traditions, Iran is among the world’s most restrictive countries for freedom of expression. While human rights conditions have been dire for decades, the state of free expression and respect for fundamental rights has deteriorated even further in recent years. The Iranian regime has carried out an especially brutal crackdown on dissent in reaction to the protests that exploded in the country after the state killing of Mahsa (Jina) Amini, 22, three days after she was arrested by Iranian “morality” police in September 2022 for violating hijab rules, and the ensuing “Woman Life Freedom” movement.  

Photo by Middle East Images / AP Photo

What You Need to Know

Currently, Iran ranks second on PEN America’s Freedom to Write Index’s Top 10 jailers of writers. While many writers who were jailed as part of the 2022 “Woman Life Freedom” movement were released, about 70% continue to face restrictive conditions.

In 2023, Iran remained the leading jailer of female writers globally, targeting many for their writing and advocacy against mandatory hijab and other laws that discriminate against women. 

Numerous writers who advocate for greater human rights and cultural rights for ethnic and religious minorities are targeted for their expression.

News

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Individual Cases

  • Nasrin Sotoudeh

    Status:

    A human rights lawyer and prominent voice of conscience, Sotoudeh was briefly rearrested and beaten in October 2023 while attending… More

  • Narges Mohammadi

    Imprisoned

    Mohammadi, jailed relentlessly by authorities for her writing and advocacy, was freed in 2020, but in May 2021 was again… More

  • Arash Ganji

    Status:

    Ganji, a writer, translator, and secretary of the Iranian Writers Association, was detained for 29 days in late 2019. He… More

  • Reza Khandan Mahabadi

    Status:

    Khandan Mahabadi, with two other members of the Iranian Writers’ Association, was arrested in May 2019 for opposing state censorship.… More

  • Baktash Abtin

    Status:

    Poet and filmmaker Abtin, with two other board members of the Iranian Writers Association, was convicted in 2019 for opposing… More

  • Keyvan Bajan

    Status:

    Novelist-journalist Bajan was imprisoned on September 27, 2020 and sentenced to three-and-a-half years for his peaceful opposition of state censorship,… More

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PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award 2023 Honoree Narges Mohammadi

Targeted by the Iranian government for more than 30 years for her writings and human rights activism, Narges Mohammadi is currently jailed on false charges of “spreading anti-state propaganda” and defamation. Mohammadi was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Oct. 6, 2023.

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Advocacy

PEN America joins with allies in international bodies, with partner organizations, and with individuals to advocate for freedom of expression in Iran.

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