On September 19, 2022, Moaiery was arrested by security agents of the morality police in downtown Tehran while covering protests surrounding the death of Mahsa Amini. During the arrest, Moaiery sustained physical injuries and was taken with other women protestors to the Qarchak prison, a women-only detention facility south of Tehran. Moaiery was released on bail on December 20, 2022, and continues to work while awaiting her court date and potential trial. Moaiery’s family commented, “Our family is thrilled to see Yalda receiving such a notable recognition. Since she was 18, Yalda’s courageously put herself on the frontline in many dangerous situations due to her commitment to photojournalism. Yalda deeply deserves this award, and we thank the International Women’s Media Foundation for recognizing Yalda.”
