Suicide of Iranian opposition figure Kianoosh Sanjari

The US special envoy to Iran and international rights groups blamed Iranian authorities on Friday for the suicide of Iranian journalist and activist Kianoosh Sanjari, who faced repeated arrests and underwent years of abuse in custody.

Sanjari had posted on social media that he would take his own life if four prisoners—Fatemeh Sepehri, Nasreen Shakrami, Toomaj Salehi, and Arsham Rezaei—were not freed by 7pm local time on Wednesday.

Hours later, his death was confirmed by Iranian activists.

US special envoy to Iran Abram Paley described Sanjari’s death as a “tragic example of the regime’s repression,” citing his mistreatment at the hand of authorities.

Sanjari’s case has once again highlighted the risks faced by journalists and activists in Iran, where authorities continue to crack down on dissent.

Earlier on Friday, Iran’s security forces blocked access to Section 250 of Tehran’s Behesht-e Zahra Cemetery, preventing mourners from attending Sanjari’s burial, according to information obtained by Iran International.

Those attempting alternative routes were also turned away by security forces. At least two individuals, including activist Hossein Ronaghi and PhD student Milad Kakavand, were briefly detained as they tried to attend the burial.