American philosopher Noam Chomsky is calling on Iran to release jailed journalist Marzieh Rasouli, who reported to Iranian court last week to serve out a sentence of two years in prison and 50 lashes.

Chomsky urged Iranian President Hassan Rohani and his administration to take immediate action to release Rasouli and other female journalists arrested in recent weeks in Iran.

The Guardian quotes Chomsky as saying: “I was surprised and distressed to learn of the detention and harsh treatment of Marzieh Rasouli and other female journalists in Iran. Surely such actions are entirely unacceptable, and I hope and trust that they will quickly be released and compensated for their unjust punishment.”

Saba Azarpeyk and Reyhaneh Tabatabayi are two other female journalists arrested in recent weeks.

Rasouli is a cultural reporter who has worked with Islamic Student News Agency (ISNA) as well as the Shargh and Etemad dailies.

She has been accused of “propaganda against the regime and disturbing public peace through participation in gatherings.”

Radio Zamaneh