By Associated Press, Thursday, April 7, 3:30 PM
PARIS — UNESCO has awarded its World Press Freedom Prize to jailed Iranian journalist Ahmad Zeidabadi, who has been convicted of spreading propaganda against the ruling Islamic establishment and is serving a six-year sentence.
UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova says Zeidabadi “has courageously and unceasingly spoken out for press freedom and freedom of expression.”
The journalist was among more than 100 political figures and activists tried together in the aftermath of Iran’s disputed 2010 elections. He is the former editor-in-cheif of Azad newspaper and a contributor to the BBC’s Persian service.
The United Nations’ cultural and educational organization announced the annual award in a statement Thursday.
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