Reza Valizadeh
Reza Valizadeh is a U.S.-Iranian dual citizen and former journalist for RFE/RL’s Persian-language service, Radio Farda (2012 – 2022) who has been imprisoned in Iran since September 22, 2024. The U.S. State Department has designated Reza as wrongfully detained and considers Iran a “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention.”
After living abroad for many years, Reza traveled to Iran in March 2024 and was arrested several months later.
In December 2024, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of “collaborating with a hostile government.” His appeal was denied in January 2025.
Reza is currently held in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison. The prison is located in a neighborhood that has come under heavy bombardment, placing the detainees inside at increased risk. Deteriorating prison conditions have negatively impacted Reza’s health. According to his lawyer, Reza has coughing fits and struggles to breathe due to worsening asthma. He also suffers from severe back pain and dental issues.
In a voice recording aired by CBS News in June 2026, Reza pleaded with the U.S. government to secure his release. Highlighting the brutal conditions inside Evin Prison, Reza spoke of “physical pressure and mental torture.” He said he and other Americans held by Iran are not being properly treated for their illnesses.
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