Iranian journalist sentenced to 15 years in prison: I don't care, I want to show people the truth

Iranian photojournalist Yalde Moaiery has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for “activities in support of the Zionist regime against national security,” according to a ruling issued by an Iranian court earlier this month. The charge comes amid heightened repression in the country, with reports of widespread arrests and harsh crackdowns on dissent following mass protests that erupted in January. Moaiery, who has spent over two decades documenting life under the Iranian regime, including the violent suppression of demonstrations, the ongoing conflict with the United States, and recent waves of state-sanctioned violence, now faces the prospect of prolonged incarceration. She has expressed her intent to appeal the decision. The sentencing follows months of intense political turmoil in Iran. Protests initially sparked by economic grievances and government repression quickly escalated into nationwide demonstrations, drawing participation from hundreds of cities. According to accounts from Moaiery, who spoke to international media during the unrest, the scale of public mobilization was unprecedented. Over 25 years of reporting, she had never witnessed such large-scale gatherings, which included families, children, and elderly individuals. However, as the authorities intensified their response, including the killing of thousands of protesters according to human rights organizations, hope among the population began to wane. In February, as the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, Moaiery remained in contact with locals, many of whom expressed cautious optimism that the conflict might lead to regime change. Despite government efforts to block internet access and suppress external communication, she managed to relay messages indicating that some citizens still believed the war could weaken the Islamic Republic. Yet, as the conflict continued without clear resolution, the mood shifted. Six months later, Moaiery’s perspective had changed. In a recent conversation, she described a growing sense of despair among Iranians, particularly regarding the deteriorating economic conditions. Many, she noted, were struggling to afford basic necessities, and the true nature of the conflict had become more apparent. “Real war here is economics,” she said. “People can’t even afford the most basic things.” She also observed that the Iranian government had grown stronger in its control, with the conflict reinforcing its grip on power. “We are facing the worst version of the Islamic Republic I have ever seen,” she stated. “It is much more aggressive and brutal than before.” For someone who grew up under the rule of the Islamic Republic, these developments were deeply unsettling. Moaiery, who has long worked as a journalist despite the risks, continues to insist that she will document the situation as long as possible. Her work has often been dismissed or condemned by the regime, which views independent journalism as a threat. “Everything I’ve done as a photojournalist, every interview, every photograph, is treated as a crime,” she explained. “These accusations against me include speaking to you.” As the Iranian government continues to tighten its control, and as the economic crisis deepens, the outlook for civil society appears increasingly bleak. Moaiery’s case reflects the broader challenges faced by journalists and activists operating within a system that prioritizes censorship and repression. Whether she will continue to speak out remains uncertain, but her resolve to reveal the truth remains unwavering.