National Journalists' Day in Iran: A Tribute to the Brave and Martyred

According to SAEDNEWS, August 8, or Mordad 17th in the Iranian calendar, is a significant day in Iran, marked as National Journalists' Day. This day is a reminder of the sacrifices made by journalists who have lost their lives in the pursuit of truth and freedom of expression. The day is a tribute to the bravery and dedication of journalists who have stood up against adversity and risked their lives to bring news to the public.

The Story of Mahmoud Saremi

One of the most notable journalists who was martyred on this day is Mahmoud Saremi, a correspondent for the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Saremi was born in Boroujerd in June 1968 and received his diploma in geography. He went on to study postgraduate studies in Tehran before joining IRNA in 1991. He was elected as the head of the IRNA office in Afghanistan in 1996, where he covered news stories despite the dangers posed by the Taliban.

Saremi's last report was released on IRNA while Mazar-i Sharif fell into the hands of the Taliban. The report was a poignant account of the situation, with Saremi asking for guidance on what to do next. The telephone connection was suddenly interrupted, and Saremi's life was cut short.

The Rise of Journalist Killings

Unfortunately, journalist killings are on the rise globally. According to UNESCO's 2021-2022 Freedom of Expression report, 86 journalists were killed last year, up from 55 killings in 2021. This represents a significant increase in journalist killings worldwide.

The report also highlighted that nearly half of the journalists killed were targeted while off duty, implying that there are no safe spaces for journalists, even in their spare time. The rate of impunity for journalist killings remains "shockingly high" at 86 percent, with close to 9 out of 10 cases of these killings remaining judicially unresolved.

The Dangers Faced by Journalists

Journalists face a range of dangers, including enforced disappearance, kidnapping, arbitrary detention, legal harassment, and digital violence. Women journalists are particularly targeted, and many face sexual harassment and violence.

The reasons behind journalist killings are varied, including reprisals for reporting on organized crime, armed conflict, or the rise of extremism. Others are killed for covering sensitive topics such as corruption, environmental crime, abuse of power, and protests.

Marking National Journalists' Day in Iran

In Iran, National Journalists' Day is marked with ceremonies throughout the country to pay tribute to martyred journalists like Mahmoud Saremi. The day is a reminder of the sacrifices made by journalists who have lost their lives in the pursuit of truth and freedom of expression.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has also published an initial list of journalists killed ahead of UN Human Rights Day on December 8, documenting 94 killings. The IFJ has called for an internationally binding instrument to force states to adopt key mechanisms to protect journalists' safety and independence.

A Tribute to Mahmoud Saremi

As we mark National Journalists' Day in Iran, we remember Mahmoud Saremi's bravery and commitment to his work. Despite the dangers posed by the Taliban, he continued to cover news stories from Afghanistan until his untimely death.

Saremi's story serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting journalists' rights and ensuring that they can continue to work freely without fear of persecution or violence. We pay tribute to all journalists who have lost their lives in the pursuit of truth and freedom of expression.

National Journalists' Day in Iran is a significant day that commemorates the sacrifices made by journalists who have lost their lives in pursuit of truth and freedom of expression. It is a reminder of the importance of protecting journalists' rights and ensuring that they can continue to work freely without fear of persecution or violence.

We honor the memory of Mahmoud Saremi and all other journalists who have lost their lives in the pursuit of truth. We also recognize the bravery and commitment of journalists who continue to work tirelessly to bring news to the public despite the dangers they face.

Let us continue to work towards a world where journalists can work freely without fear of persecution or violence.