The repercussions of the Iranian election violence are still taking their toll on the Iranian people, as has been evident with the story of Iranian journalist Ehsan Maleki. Mr. Maleki, 29 years old, profession [photographer had been following the liberal presidential candidate Mir Hussein Moussavi’s election campaign and the violence that broke out after the results were declared in the month June of this year. Ehsan was drive out of his home, after he was arrested by the dreaded Basji paramilitary forces for illegal journalism. However, the state authorities weren’t able to convict Mr. Maleki, as he had hidden his camera in a chimney of a house that he had taken shelter in.

Later on, he discovered that, his house had been thoroughly searched and his possessions including his passport were confiscated by the government. This prompted the journalist to make a run towards the border, in fear of retribution by state authorities. After paying off a smuggler a sum of $150, he was sneaked out of Iran into Turkey, with the help of a local Kurdish guide.

In the recent months, there has been a flurry of defections and many journalists, bloggers and media people have been seeking asylums in foreign nations, for the fear of their lives and those of their families. According to an estimate released by Reporters Without Borders, that promotes freedom of press and looks into the security of media professionals, the mass bail out of journalists from Iran since June, has been the largest after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Via New York Times.