This foundation was launched in April 2013 in the memory of late Siamak Pourzand, an Iranian journalist and a former prisoner of conscience in Iran who took his own life under house arrest in 2011. The Siamak Pourzand Foundation (SPF) promotes freedom of expression for artists, writers, journalists and creative minds in contexts where the censorship apparatus is hard at work. Further, it aims to provide a collaborative platform for creative minds struggling against censorship and repression. An independent organization, with 501(c) (3) status and no political affiliation, SPF operates as a non-governmental and not-for-profit entity. The Siamak Pourzand Foundation (SPF) aims to: Provide a collaborative space for education, knowledge-sharing and dialogue about the concept and practices of freedom of expression Promote freedom of expression, rule of law, civil and human rights Defend the rights of creative professionals and amateurs in their struggles against censorship