Mahsa Amini’s death wins UN’s top press freedom award: Three women journalists jailed

Three women journalists who were imprisoned in Iran after reporting on the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died while in police custody, have been awarded the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. The prize, which is awarded annually by the United Nations, recognizes individuals or organizations that have made a significant contribution to press freedom.

The three journalists, Niloufar Hamedi Elaheh Mohammadi, and Narges Mohammadi, were arrested in 2020 after reporting on the death of Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody after being arrested for participating in a protest. The journalists were charged with spreading propaganda against the government and were imprisoned for several months.

Despite the risks to their safety and freedom, the journalists continued to report on the case and to demand justice for Mahsa Amini. Their reporting helped to raise awareness of the case and to draw attention to the issue of police brutality in Iran.

The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize recognizes the important role that journalists play in promoting freedom of expression and holding those in power accountable. It is awarded to individuals or organizations who have demonstrated a commitment to press freedom and have worked to promote free and independent journalism.

-Re-reported from the story originally published in WION