Taghi Rahmani, a veteran independent journalist and staunch free speech activist, is an Iranian political activist, journalist, and writer , university professor in exile who has left an indelible mark on the intellectual and political landscape of Iran. He has spent 14 years of his life in prisons for human rights activism and journalism in Iran. Born in 1959 in a middle class family in Takestan/Iran, he started political activities when he was 15. He has dedicated his life to the pursuit of human rights, freedom, and the expression of intellectual thought. Taghi Rahmani’s journey has been one of sacrifice and resilience. Throughout different decades, he endured a total of 5,000 days behind bars, facing numerous imprisonments due to his unwavering commitment to journalism and activism. His steadfast pursuit of justice led him to be recognized as Iran’s most frequently jailed journalist by Reporters Without Borders. Despite the adversities he faced, Rahmani’s passion for his beliefs remained unyielding. Designated a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International, he stood as a symbol of resistance against oppression and an advocate for the principles he held dear. His courage in the face of adversity made him a prominent figure in the struggle for freedom and human rights in Iran.
Photocredits: Family Archive