Iranian journalist Forough Saminia, who wrote columns for several Iranian feminist outlets such as Bidarzani and Zanan-e Emruz magazine as well as Persian exile-based online magazine Peace Mark, was arrested in northern Gilan province on August 16, 2023, and later charged her with "acting against national security" and "propaganda against the state." Her arrest followed her coverage of the 2022 “Women, Life, Freedom” movement which was sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in morality police custody.
On May 11, 2024 Saminia was sentenced to six years in prison for “assembly and colluding against the system” and “being a member of a all-female club of activists,” and began serving her sentence on July 13.
Saminia was released on bail from Lakan Prison, in the northern city of Rasht, Saminia's hometown, on February 1, 2025, along with five other Guilan-based feminist activists.
While in prison, Saminia faced restricted access to legal representation, had limited communication with family, and was denied her diabetes medication.
CPJ emailed Iran’s mission to the United Nations in New York in late 2024 for comment about Saminia and those of other imprisoned Iranian journalists but received no response.