ALERT - IRAN
19 October 2009
Journalist Maziar Bahari released on bail
SOURCE: Canadian Journalists for Free Expression
CJFE welcomes news of journalist Maziar Bahari's release from prison in Iran (CJFE/IFEX) - Toronto, October 19, 2009 -
Canadian Journalists for FreeExpression (CJFE) welcomes the news on October 17, that Canadian-Iranian journalist Maziar Bahari has been released on bail after four months in anIranian jail. "We are all relieved to hear that Maziar Bahari has been released on bailand is currently at home with his family in Tehran," said CJFE ExecutiveDirector Annie Game. "Hopefully this is a sign that other journalists whocontinue to languish in jail in Iran will also be released in the nearfuture." Maziar Bahari is Newsweek's Tehran correspondent. He had been held withoutcharge in prison in Iran since June 21. While this long awaited news is extremely welcome there remain concernsthat Bahari's ability to leave the country may be restricted. This isparticularly important at the moment, when Bahari's wife, Paola Gourley, isexpecting the birth of their first child on October 26, in England. This was an important step forward however CJFE remains concerned about themore than 30 journalists and bloggers who remain in prison, arrested simplyfor exercising their right to free expression. This group includes anotherjournalist with dual Canadian and Iranian citizenship, blogger HosseinDerakhshan who was detained almost a year ago. CJFE continues to advocate for the release of Derakhshan and other journalists imprisoned in Iran. http://www.ifex.org/iran/2009/10/19/bahari_released_on_bail/
For more information:Canadian Journalists for Free Expression
PO Box 407555 Richmond St. W.,
Suite 1101 Toronto, ON M5V 3B1
Canadacjfe @ cjfe.org
Phone: +1 416 515 9622
Fax: +1 416 515 7879