Iran Sentences Iranian-American Journalist to 10 Years for Alleged U.S. Collaboration

Reza Valizadeh, a former journalist for U.S.-funded media outlets, was convicted by a Tehran Revolutionary Court, with his lawyer vowing to appeal the verdict.

• Reza Valizadeh, a dual Iranian-American citizen, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for allegedly collaborating with the 'hostile U.S. government.'
• Valizadeh previously worked for Voice of America’s Farsi service and Radio Farda, both funded by U.S. government agencies and regarded as hostile by Iran.
• His lawyer, Mohammad Hossein Aghasi, stated that the verdict was issued last week and can be appealed within 20 days, though he has not been able to meet with Valizadeh since the sentencing.
• Valizadeh returned to Iran in March 2024 after 13 years abroad, reportedly without any security guarantees, and was arrested six months later.
• The case highlights broader tensions between Iran and the West, as well as ongoing crackdowns on dissent and press freedom within the country.

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