In Iran, the day of the journalist is marked by the name “Mahmoud Saremi”. On August 8, 1998, one of the journalists of the IRNA news agency, along with several employees of the Islamic Republic consulate, was killed by Taliban forces in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. Since then, August 8 has been designated as the day of the journalist in Iran. Such tragic events highlight the dangers and challenges faced by journalists around the world, and the tumultuous nature of this profession and the risks and difficulties faced by those who work in it.

Although journalism is an exciting profession, many people who work in this field in Iran and make a living from it have often thought about changing their job. Some of them have been forced to change their job due to serious economic concerns. The reasons for why many media professionals have had to make such a decision vary, including personal, character, gender, social, and other factors. However, the main problems in this profession in Iran are almost the same.

One of the most important problems and main obstacles for journalists in Iran is “freedom of the press” and “free press”, which the people of Iran in general and journalists in particular are deprived of. The red lines drawn by the government for this profession have made it so that no matter how carefully a journalist treads, they may cross the invisible red lines of personal tastes. This is where the heavy burden of crossing the limits and boundaries set by the government will force them to be accountable to security institutions. The issue does not end here, and in the following stages, forming a case, appearing in interrogations, and ultimately being arrested and imprisoned are waiting for journalists who insist on their personal integrity and the principles of this profession (freedom of expression). In recent years, the number of detained journalists in Iran has become so high that it seems impossible to compile a complete list of them (due to lack of access to information). Similarly, if the duration of their sentences is added up,

But the biggest challenge for journalists in Iran is the government’s attitude towards this profession and its practitioners. Decision-makers and influencers (with the support of the government) consider independent journalists and relatively independent media as intruders who interfere with their goals. In recent years, it has been proven that the government does not want a free press and independent media, they support those who are called media and journalism, but are actually mouthpieces for the ruling elite and serve the interests of those in power. Since the rulers do not believe in the rights of the people to power through force and wealth, they see free flow of information, free media, and independent journalists as fundamental problems and constantly try to destroy or degrade the “fourth pillar of democracy” in Iran. Representatives of the ruling ideology have repeatedly and openly declared that people do not have the right to choose and must always obey the government’s orders; because they believe that the rulers know what is best for them. This arrogant attitude, unfortunately, has

In a section of his collection of articles “Cherand o Parand,” Alameh Dehkhoda writes about legislators: “They have recently come to understand that the status of the lawmaker is higher than simply following the law themselves.” Representatives of the government, in cases and discussions related to the rights of the people, do not even adhere to the “Constitution” and disregard the principles stated in this document for their own benefit. In Article 24 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, it is clearly stated: “Publications and the press are free to express except when they are against the principles of Islam or public rights. The details are determined by law.” Despite this clear legal statement, criticism and objections in Iranian publications towards the officials of the system are interpreted as “not being against the principles of Islam” and journalists are punished. Additionally, in Article 168 it is stated: “The trial of political and press crimes is public and takes place in the presence

Furthermore, in Clause 4 of Article 9 of Chapter 5 of the “Press Law” under the title “Conditions of Applicants and Stages of Issuing License”, it is stated: “The owner of the license is responsible for the overall policy of the publication, and the responsibility for each of the articles published and other matters related to the publication will be on the shoulders of the managing editor.” This legal clause emphasizes the role of the managing editor and places the burden of responsibility for published content on them. In accordance with this law, each of the writers will not be held accountable for any violations and only the managing editor will be responsible for the published material. It should be noted that the way managing editors of media outlets are dealt with varies depending on their proximity or distance from those in power.

Previously, we mentioned the type of view that the “rulers” have towards this profession and stated that they see journalists as intruders who hinder them from achieving their goals. This view has resulted in the treatment of journalists not changing significantly with the change of governments. We have witnessed extensive confrontations with journalists during the period of reforms. The confiscation of newspapers in April 2000 and the “Reform of Press Law” – which was the first agenda of the sixth parliament – and was removed from the agenda by government order, was a page from the dark history of reforms. Despite the widespread injustice towards “freedom of expression”, not a single voice from the so-called reformist camp leaked out.

What has happened to independent and non-governmental journalists and media in the past few decades is a heartbreaking story that is not hidden from anyone. It is regrettable to admit that lack of job security and adequate insurance, lack of professional and government support, and countless injustices and errors have led to independent journalists being subjected to a form of self-censorship. This is a great pain that has gripped a large number of reporters; a pain that is not in the interest of the future of Iran or the principle of freedom of expression and currently seems incurable. Despite all the difficulties and obstacles, some brave and independent journalists within the country, through producing accurate and fair news and reports, are recognized as a reliable source in the world of media.