The official Iranian daily Joumhouri Islami reported that Firouzi, editor in chief of the English-language daily Iran News, was arrested on charges of espionage. Prior to Joumhouri Islami’s announcement, Firouzi had been rumored “disappeared” for several months, since about the time of the presidential election in May. Authorities have provided no further details about his case, but CPJ has received reports that Firouzi’s arrest was related to articles published in Iran News calling for the release of foreign nationals from Iranian prisons, and for warmer relations with the United States. The charge of espionage is frequently brought against individuals viewed as threats to the regime. The charge has also been used by political factions within the government to attack their opponents’ allies.
