Iranian journalists celebrating release from jail charged for not wearing hijab

Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi were charged in 2023 for their coverage of the death of Mahsa Amini

Two female journalists, who were released on bail from prison in Iran on Sunday, having spent 17 months in jail for reporting on the death of Mahsa Amini, have been charged under the country’s hijab laws after pictures were published of them celebrating their release with their heads uncovered.

Niloofar Hamedi, 31, and Elaheh Mohammadi, 36, were met by a crowd of more than 100 family members and supporters outside Evin prison in Tehran when they were released, and were shown flashing victory signs.