The International Federation of Journalists condemns "harassment of media professionals in Iran" ahead of the elections

The International Federation of Journalists described the "judicial summonses and warnings issued against Iranian journalists" on the eve of the Iranian presidential elections as "pressure and harassment of media professionals in Iran" and condemned it.

This international organization, which supports media freedom and journalists, issued a statement on its website on Wednesday, June 25, stating that Anthony Belanger, Secretary General of the International Federation of Journalists, said about the recent actions of the Islamic Republic of Iran authorities: "This is another example of the way the Iranian government is using the legal system to suppress independent voices in the country."

Anthony Belanger emphasized: "Iranian journalists should be able to report on the electoral competition without warnings or judicial pressure from the authorities."

Previously, Gholamhossein Esmaili, spokesman for the Judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran, confirmed on Tuesday, June 24, that all media outlets, both governmental and non-governmental, had been "reprimanded" regarding the publication of election news.

Some reports from Iran indicate that authorities have contacted a number of journalists in Iran and threatened them not to publish anything against Ebrahim Raisi, the head of the judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who is trying to reach the presidency.

Source: Voice of America