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Press forum’s appeal

The International Press Institute in a statement said, “Since the presidential elections of 12 June in Iran, which ended in a disputed victory for incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iranian government forces have arrested and jailed numerous journalists and bloggers, interfered with broadcasts and online coverage of protests, and forbidden foreign correspondents and their camera crews from reporting on the current crisis in Iran. Several foreign journalists have been expelled.”

It said the Iranian people and the world had a right to information and commentary. The increasing reliance on social media networks and the Internet indicate a desire among Iranian citizens for access to news, and forums in which to express their opinions. It is not the role of any government to act as a filter between news and the public, said the forum.

Contending the violations of press freedom and freedom of expression in Iran had sparked global outrage, it said respect for freedom of the press and the right of peaceful protest would go a long way towards establishing credibility and faith in Iranian democracy both within the international community and Iran itself.

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