Iran Labels Israeli Journalist Amit Segal Enemy, Threatens Long Prison Terms for Contact

Iran's Ministry of Intelligence has officially designated several Israeli media figures and organizations as hostile to the regime, including prominent journalist Amit Segal and public diplomacy activist Yosef Hadad. According to the document, any contact or information sharing with these individuals is considered espionage and collaboration with the "Zionist entity," punishable by lengthy prison sentences. The document, issued amid intensified efforts by Iran's Revolutionary Guards and security forces to isolate Iranian citizens from external influences, expands a blacklist of forbidden contacts under a strict local law targeting espionage and cooperation with Zionism.

The legal text outlines severe charges and harsh penalties for any Iranian citizen who violates these directives, including long-term imprisonment and permanent dismissal from government or public service. The law criminalizes media cooperation, information transfer, propaganda, or even technical contact with the listed Israeli figures, framing such acts as threats to national security and attempts to "cause public panic" or damage the state's image.

The list includes internationally recognized media outlets and specifically names Israeli journalists and commentators with significant public influence, such as Amit Segal, Yosef Hadad, and journalist Emily Schrader. This targeting indicates close surveillance by Iranian intelligence of Israeli social media and mainstream media voices that resonate beyond Israel's borders.

In response, Amit Segal reacted with characteristic irony, stating, "Apparently, I did something right," highlighting the absurdity of being officially labeled a threat. He added a pointed remark contrasting Israeli democracy with Iranian dictatorship: "Israelis here, you can still send me information. Iranians, don't risk yourselves." Beyond the humor, the episode reveals the harsh reality faced by millions of Iranians living under a regime that imposes disproportionate punishments on basic freedoms of expression and communication.