At least 35 journalists were imprisoned in Iran as of April 1 as authorities continued their nearly year-long crackdown on the news media, according to CPJ’s [Committee to Protect Journalists] latest monthly census. Another 18 journalists were free on short-term furloughs granted for the Iranian New Year and were expected to report back to prison. Many of the incarcerated journalists are under immense physical and psychological pressure to “confess” to crimes they have not committed, including crimes that could carry the death sentence, CPJ research shows. Many have also been denied family visits and access to legal counsel. Others have been held without charge for periods far exceeding legal limits. >>>
