The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on the Iranian authorities to guarantee the safety and freedom of all journalists attempting to cover events in Iran following reports of journalists being arrested and union leaders going into hiding over the weekend.

"The Iranian authorities must immediately release all imprisoned journalists and send a clear signal that journalists are to be allowed to work freely and without fear of arrest or intimidation," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "We are particularly concerned about the fate of Ali Mazrooei, Chair of the Association of Iranian Journalists."

According to reports, Mazrooei and other leaders of the Association, an affiliate of the IFJ, have gone into hiding following the arrests of journalists and demonstrators over the weekend. Newsweek correspondent, Maziar Bahari, was arrested on Sunday, while John Leyne, BBC Tehran correspondent, has been asked to leave the country.

Further reports suggest that up to ten Iranian journalists have been arrested and many others have gone into hiding. Several foreign journalists such as Mikel Ayestarán from Spanish daily ABC have left the country after the refusal of the authorities to extend their temporary visas.

These developments follow widespread restrictions on foreign media in Iran, and closing of many websites by the authorities.

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The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 123 countries worldwide