Veteran journalist Issa Sahrakhiz sentenced to 3 years in prison, 6-year ban

GVF -- Senior reformist journalist Issa Saharkhiz was sentenced to three years in prison, following his trial at branch 15 of Iran’s Revolutionary Court. He has also received a five-year ban on journalistic and political activities, as well as a one-year ban on leaving the country.

The harsh prison sentence against Saharkhiz is based on charges of “insulting the leader” and “propagating against the establishment.” The court has also informed Shaharkhiz’s lawyer that the veteran journalist has received a five-year ban on any form of political and press-related activity. In addition, Saharkhiz will be barred from leaving Iranian territory for a year.

Since his arrest following the fraudulent presidential election of June 2009, the journalist has not enjoyed any form of leave despite his poor health conditions.

Saharkhiz is a founding member of the Association of Iranian ‎Journalists and has had a long career in journalism. He worked for 15 years for IRNA, the Islamic Republic’s official news agency, and headed its New York office for a number of years. He has also worked for many reformist websites and newspapers.

He is currently being held in Rajaei Shahr prison in the city of Karaj which lies close to the capital city Tehran.