Mana Neyestani Potentially Released as Iranian Press Turmoil Continues

I'm not sure what to believe in terms of reports on the Iranian press after the last couple of weeks. I'm not sure anyone does right now, either. So I'll relay what I can as it develops and hope that you'll keep both versions of conflicting information in mind Schroedinger's Cat-style, until there's a consensus.

A statement at the bottom of a September 11 release from the Committee to Protect Journalists hitting the wires today seems to indicate that Iranian cartoonist Mana Neyestani, imprisoned since May for a cartoon showing a cockroach speaking the language of Azerbaijani-Iranians, was fined and then released on September 1. This would run counter to reports from last week that indicated Neyestani was allowed to return home on a leave but still faced charges and possible prison time. The article also indicates that a ban on the daily newspaper that carried Neyestani's cartoon, Iran, saw its ban lifted. Previous reports expressed some uncertainty as to whether or not the ban had been lifted earlier and the paper simply not continued. The CPJ article suggests that plans are actively underway for a re-launch. Iran Editor Mehrdad Qasemfar was acquitted, the article also says. Qasemfar was identified last week as a journalist and another individual, said to be released, was identified as the publication's editor.

So... yeah. Keep all possibilities in mind, won't you?

The latest incident in terms of the Iranian press and cartoons is the closure of the daily newspaper Sharq because its managing director Mohammad Rahmanian was not dismissed as ordered. Rahmanian claims to be appealing the decision and asking for an extension beefore dismissal. In closing perhaps the leading publication for Iran's reform movement, the press board also looked at a cartoon published last week parodying a statement by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that he was protected by a divine circle of light, a statement his supporters deny the official ever having made.
 
posted 6:08 am PST | Permalink
 

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