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Imprisoned Iranian Reporter Wins UN Press Freedom Prize

Ahmad Zeidabadi, an Iranian journalist who has been in jail since his country's disputed presidential elections in mid-2009 and has campaigned for greater civil rights was awarded the prestigious United Nations prize dedicated to promoting press freedom.

An independent jury of 12 media professionals from around the globe chose Ahmad Zeidabadi as the laureate of this year's Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported today.

Announcing the decision, jury president Diana Senghor said that the choice of Mr. Zeidabadi "pays a tribute to his exceptional courage, resistance and commitment to freedom of expression, democracy, human rights, tolerance, and humanity. Beyond him, also the prize will award the numerous Iranian journalists who are currently jailed."

Irina Bokova, the Director-General, called on Iranian authorities to release Mr. Zeidabadi, who is currently serving a sentence of six years in jail, to be followed by five years of internal exile and a life ban from working as a journalist. He had been charged with plotting to overthrow the Government with a "soft revolution."

"Throughout his career Ahmad Zeidabadi has courageously and unceasingly spoken out for press freedom and freedom of expression, which is a fundamental human right that underpins all other civil liberties, a key ingredient of tolerant and open societies and vital for the rule of law and democratic governance."
- Ms. Bokova

At least 26 other journalists remain in prison following a wave of arrests in the aftermath of Iran's disputed presidential election in June 2009, UNESCO said.

Source: United Nations