Detained Iranian Journalist Says She Is ‘Proud Of Her Work’

During Hamedi’s second court session on Tuesday, the detained reporter spoke about her dedication to the profession of journalism, stating: "I take immense pride in my role as a journalist and the work I have done." The statement was brought to light by her husband, Mohammad Hossein Ajorlou, who posted on Twitter, sharing insights into the court proceedings. He wrote: "The lawyers had a brief window to present their defense as the trial concluded. We now eagerly await the verdict in the coming days."

Hamedi, a former reporter from Shargh, one of the most popular reformist newspapers in Iran, and Elaheh Mohammadi, a fellow journalist from the Ham-Mihan newspaper, gained recognition for their coverage of events following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, after her arrest for allegedly not wearing the hijab in accordance with regime's standards.

The arrest and ensuing death of Amini whilst in the custody of the morality police sparked nationwide protests in September. Hamedi was apprehended shortly after reporting on Mahsa Amini's death and Mohammadi was detained while covering the funeral procession at the Saqqez cemetery in Kordestan province.

The first session of Hamedi’s trial presided by the notorious judge Abolghasem Salavati was held behind closed doors in Tehran on June 1. Saeed Parsaei and Mohammad Hossein Ajorlou -- the spouses of Hamedi and Mohammadi respectively – had already announced the schedule of the second court session for the two journalists, for Tuesday and Wednesday.