About Reza

A longtime outspoken critic of the Iranian regime, Reza is a former reporter for Radio Farda (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty) in Iran.  Reza has extensively investigated and exposed the Islamic Republic of Iran’s power structures, including systemic corruption, election manipulation, and the role of security agencies in silencing dissent.  Reza was first detained in Iran in 2007 for reporting on Iran’s security services and later forced into exile, seeking asylum in France after covering mass protests and state repression during the 2009 Green Movement.  From abroad, Reza continued to speak out against the Iranian government for outlets like Voice of America Persian, Radio France, and BBC Persian, frequently naming senior Iranian officials and criticizing the Revolutionary Guard’s influence over Iranian politics and the economy.

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Reza was arrested on September 22, 2024, in Tehran, after returning to Iran that March for the first time since his exile.  He spent two and a half months split between two units of Evin Prison, enduring extensive interrogation in solitary confinement until finally brought to appear in court.  At trial, the judge acted as both the judge and the prosecution.  On December 7, 2024, Reza was sentenced to ten years in prison for, “collaborating with the hostile US government.”  His sentence was upheld on appeal.

 

Reza’s life is in imminent danger.  In June 2025, Reza was among those endangered when an Israeli strike damaged Evin’s main gate, triggering chaotic overnight transfers to other overcrowded prisons.  Reza was transferred back to Evin Prison eventually, but his health is worsening rapidly.  Reza has asthma, which has been exacerbated by exposure to smoke, dust, and pollutants from the strikes.  He consistently erupts in coughing fits. 

 

The Iranian regime arrested and imprisoned Reza in direct retaliation for his decades of fearless journalism that exposed corruption and challenged its legitimacy.  Recognizing the political nature of his detention, the U.S. State Department has officially designated Reza as wrongfully detained.  

 

We are committed to bringing attention to Reza’s case, not only to secure his release, but to send an unequivocal message that the unlawful imprisonment of U.S. citizens will not be tolerated. Reza’s continued detention is “an affront to the rule of law and aim[s] to undermine [U.S.] leadership on the world stage.”  Every day that Reza remains behind bars, the Iranian regime is emboldened to target Americans who dare advocate for truth, justice, and a better future for the Iranian people.