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A disturbing incident has unfolded in Iran, where the government has been accused of abducting the family of a journalist working for the London-based Persian-language broadcaster Iran International. The move is believed to be in retaliation for the network’s coverage of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. In a stark example of the regime’s efforts to suppress independent journalism, the family members of the journalist were taken into custody by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and are being held at an undisclosed location.

Iran International has condemned the incident, labeling it “an appalling act of hostage-taking” aimed at coercing their colleague into resigning. The outlet described the tactic as “deeply reprehensible” and a “dangerous escalation” in the regime’s campaign to silence dissenting voices. The journalist, whose identity has not been disclosed for security reasons, received a chilling phone call from her father, with IRGC agents dictating his words. The father was quoted as saying, “I’ve told you a thousand times to resign. What other consequences do you expect? You have to resign.”

This incident appears to be part of a broader strategy by Iranian authorities to exert pressure on foreign-based Iranian journalists by targeting their loved ones back home. Iran has a long history of restricting press freedom, with the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) noting that the country is one of the world’s leading jailers of journalists. The CPJ has also highlighted the increasing repression faced by media workers both within and outside Iran.

Iran International, which has previously faced threats from Tehran, is now calling on international human rights organizations and press freedom groups to condemn the “hostage situation” and take immediate action to protect journalists and their families. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety and well-being of journalists and their loved ones, and the need for urgent action to safeguard press freedom and human rights in Iran. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to this blatant attempt to suppress independent journalism and silence dissenting voices.