The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists says at least 35 journalists are in prison in Iran after a nearly yearlong crackdown on the news media in the Middle Eastern country.
The organization said Tuesday that an additional 18 journalists were free on short-term furloughs granted for the Iranian New Year and were expected to report back to prison.
They say many of the jailed journalists are under immense physical and psychological pressure to confess to crimes they have not committed, including crimes that carry the death penalty.
CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon says they will continue to monitor the situation closely.
The organization has been conducting monthly surveys of journalists imprisoned in Iran.
The CPJ’s figures are as of April 1. AP
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