In a report on the occasion of the International Day of Prisoners of Writers, the Iranian Writers’ Association said it has been informed of the continued suppression of members of the literary community, the imprisonment or detention of at least 20 writers and poets, and the risk of execution of a jailed writer.

The association announced that after the suppression of the protests in Dey 1404 and the war between the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic, an atmosphere of intimidation and censorship has taken hold in the country, and that the passage of new laws, including the law to intensify penalties for espionage and collaboration with Israel and hostile countries, has increased the severity of the crackdown.

According to the report, imprisoned writers are facing harsh sentences, long-term detentions, and security-related charges, and it has become difficult to access information about some of the detainees.

The Iranian Writers’ Association also warned about the risk of carrying out the death sentence against Payman Farah-Avar, a lyricist from Gilan.

Sunday, 24 Aban, corresponding to 15 November, is the International Day of Prisoners of Writers, which has been observed since 1981 on the initiative of PEN International. The purpose of this commemoration is to support freedom of expression, draw attention to the situation of imprisoned writers, and keep alive the memory of writers who have died in prison.