Today, in an annual report released by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), my brother Jason was named as one of nearly 200 journalists worldwide currently detained behind prison bars. CPJ is an incredible supporter of our family in the fight to free Jason—you can read more on the report here: https://cpj.org/imprisoned/2015.php
I want to thank the Committee to Protect Journalists for their work and advocacy in promoting the freedom and liberty of journalists around the world and their ongoing support for my brother Jason. No one should be punished for his or her work as a journalist. Yet talented journalists are being harassed and imprisoned for simply doing their job. Unfortunately, too often, journalists like Jason have been jailed and had their lives disrupted despite no wrongdoing. We must do all we can to make sure that innocent journalists, like Jason, are set free.
CPJ notes that Jason “has been held longer than any U.S. correspondent by any foreign government since CPJ began tracking imprisonments in 1990.” Iran currently detains more journalists than any country other than China and Egypt. His case remains shrouded in confusion and secrecy.
While we continue our fight for Jason’s release, it’s important to know that hundreds of others sit in his shoes. As the end of the calendar year approaches, I hope you keep these individuals in your thoughts and stick with us in the fight. With your continued support, I am confident that we will soon celebrate Jason’s freedom.
Ali
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