Iran: Exiled journalists still repressed by regime

At the end of September, Iran's judiciary announced it had confiscated assets belonging to individuals accused of 'cooperation with hostile governments.' This measure is part of a previously announced plan targeting around 400 people living abroad, including journalists, activists, artists and athletes, whose assets are to be seized. The move represents a continuation of Iran's practice of scapegoating independent journalists during times of political crisis.

Asset Confiscation

Amir Soltanzadeh, an exiled freelance journalist who occasionally works for Germany's international broadcaster DW, discovered his name on a government list which Iranian state media had labeled 'traitors to the homeland.' His assets were to be seized.

Soltanzadeh published a photo of his book collection online, writing: 'This library is my only asset in Iran. If you enjoy reading books, go ahead and confiscate them.' He also revealed that his bank account in Iran had been frozen, containing the equivalent of around €500 ($555), which he used to buy gifts and flowers for family members.

Soltanzadeh emphasized that he has not acted against Iran. 'Every position I have taken was ultimately aimed at improving the lives of people in Iran,' he stressed. He noted it was 'unjust' to be listed as a traitor.

Family Pressure

The pressure extends beyond the targeted individuals to their families. Soltanzadeh reported that some relatives have cut ties with his family because of his journalistic work. The pressure eventually affected his father's employment.

'My father lost his job because of me. And because of me, my mother lives in constant anxiety — every time the phone rings, she has to wonder who is on the other end,' Soltanzadeh explained. For several months, he cut all direct contact with his family to keep them safe, communicating only through an intermediary.

Repression Tactics

Pressure against independent journalists is a recurring pattern in the Islamic Republic. During political tension, Western media outlets and journalists are often portrayed as agents of hostile intelligence services or as spreading subversive propaganda.

Authorities employ various tools to control media reporting, including hacking social media accounts and intercepting conversations that are later used as evidence against contacts inside Iran. A journalist in Iran, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that reporting on detainees, state executions and protester treatment comes with major risks.

'Journalists can only write on their personal pages in a very limited and censored way,' the anonymous reporter said. 'In their reports, they are required to follow the government's official narrative.' Article 24 of Iran's constitution guarantees freedom of the press, but broadly worded provisions in the Press Law give authorities significant room to interfere in media work.

Exile Challenges

Many journalists are forced into exile due to constant pressure and risk of targeting by authorities. Omid Barin, a freelance journalist who occasionally contributes to DW, had to leave Iran because of his work focusing on human rights violations and ethnic minorities.

The pressure 'has undoubtedly caused me to be much more cautious and sensitive when communicating with sources inside the country, to avoid putting them in danger,' Barin told DW. While he doesn't provide details on the threats he faces, he notes the core message is clear: someone in Iran wants him to either abandon journalism or avoid sensitive topics.

Even while living abroad, Barin must take additional security precautions in his daily life, as he continues working for media outlets that the Iranian regime considers 'hostile.' The regime's reach extends beyond Iran's borders, maintaining pressure on those who dare to report independently.