On the table: Why now is the time to sway Rouhani to meet his promises for press freedom in Iran

President Hassan Rouhani sought re-election on the promise of a more open Iran. But little has changed for the press, as hardliners in the judiciary and other powerful institutions jail journalists, block websites, and maintain a climate of fear with harassment and surveillance. The current international focus on Iran and its economic ties with Europe could represent an opening to engage on press freedom and other lapsed human rights. A special report by the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Published May 24, 2018

Contents

About this report

On the table: Why now is the time to sway Rouhani to meet his promises for press freedom in Iran

Infographic: Journalists jailed in Iran: Press crackdown, politics, and pushback

Infographic: Power in Iran

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Press release

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Photo: President Hassan Rouhani, pictured speaking with reporters in June 2013, has had limited success keeping his pledges to roll back Iran’s repressive policies. (AP/Ebrahim Noroozi/File)