The Nieman Foundation calls on Iran for the immediate release of Dorothy Parvaz, NF ’09

To Whom It May Concern: The staff at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University is deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of journalist Dorothy Parvaz, who is reported to be in Iranian custody.
Embassy of Pakistan
Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran
2209 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20007

To Whom It May Concern:

The staff at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University is deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of journalist Dorothy Parvaz, who is reported to be in Iranian custody.

Al Jazeera reported yesterday that Parvaz had been deported to Tehran after being detained by Syrian officials in Damascus upon her arrival there on April 29. We have received no confirmation of this report and are seeking details on her whereabouts. Parvaz has had no contact with her friends, family or her employer, Al Jazeera, since she was detained almost two weeks ago.

If Ms. Parvaz is in Iran, we ask that she be released immediately and allowed to return to her home in Doha, Qatar.

Parvaz studied at Harvard for a year from 2008-2009 as a Nieman Fellow. We know her to be a highly principled journalist whose integrity and professionalism are beyond question. The international journalism community has united around her and is seeking a quick resolution to the situation.

We appreciate your prompt consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,

Bob Giles
Curator

cc:
Ambassador Mohammad Khazaee
Alireza Miryousefi, Press Officer
Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations