The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) said in a statement to be "relieved that journalists Niloufer Hamidi and Ilahe Mohammadi have been released on bail after 17 months of wrongful detention for their reporting on protests following Jina Mahsa Amini’s death."

Arrested in September 2022, Hamidi and Mohammadi were sentenced to 13 and 12 years in jail, respectively, on charges of spreading propaganda, committing a crime against national security, and collaborating with a foreign state.

The IWMF added that "despite their release, Hamidi and Mohammadi’s fight is far from over. In addition to their remaining sentences, both women were immediately charged for not wearing hijabs while celebrating their release. This callous charge demonstrates Iranian authorities’ determination to silence women’s voices and persecute independent journalism, no matter the cost." 

Iran continues to be one of the harshest environments for press freedom, ranking 177 out of 180 countries on the RSF Press Freedom Index and currently detaining 21 journalists. As the country’s elections approach later this year, the global human rights community must hold Iran accountable for allowing journalists to work without fear of retribution, jail, or death.

The IWFM said: "We urge the authorities to drop all charges against Hamidi and Mohammadi and demand their unconditional freedom."