Several Iranian journalists were imprisoned for reporting on post-election demonstrations
My friends and colleagues Jila Baniyaghoob and Bahman Ahmadi-Amouee have spent more than 45 days in Tehran's Evin prison - without charge.
They are being held in Evin's Ward 209, where 'security' or political prisoners are kept.
They are among some 30 Iranian journalists jailed following protests against the declared results of Iran's presidential elections on June 12, whose names have been recorded by Reporters Without Borders and the Association of Iranian Journalists.
Last week, Jila's mother and Bahman's brother were allowed to see them, separately, for 10 minutes each at the prison. Jila's mother, Eshrat Ouliayi, said Jila had lost weight and looked "emaciated".
For those who have seen Jila before, thin and petite, this is very worrying.
Bahman is bigger.
But the court appearance by former president Mohammed Khatami's deputy, Mohammad-Ali Abtahi, has shown what could happen to even larger people after such a long stay in prison.
Professionalism and compassion
shortly after the June 12 election
She had been invited to speak at a conference organised by the Afghan Women Journalists' Forum, with which I was working as a UN gender and media specialist.
She was impressive because of her courage and professional commitment and her personal passion for the people about whom she wrote, including the people of Afghanistan, as shown in this article, A Journey to Afghanistan.
I then met Jila in Tehran, along with her husband Bahman, another professional journalist. I have learned much from their reports and books. Read more here ...
Source: Al Jazeera (English)
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