US cannot tolerate voice of independent media outlets, freedom of press 'just a claim': Jebelli
Head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) Peyman Jebelli has reacted to the latest US sanctions against three Iranian media outlets, including Press TV, saying Washington cannot tolerate the voice of independent media.
Jebelli made the remarks in an interview with Tasnim news agency on Tuesday, after US Treasury Department imposed a fresh round of sanctions on more than two dozen Iranian individuals and entities over a groundless accusation of “human rights abuse” on the eve of the anniversary of Western-backed riots in the Islamic Republic.
He went on to say that sanctioning independent media by the West is not a new issue, adding that there has been a type of “international media dictatorship” in recent years that does not tolerate media with a voice different from that of the mainstream media and tries to restrict them in any way possible.
Jebelli also noted that what is taught about freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Western universities is nothing more than a claim.
“No matter how weak independent media and those with a different voice in the world are in terms of the possibilities to reach the audience, but in the end they leave their own impact on public opinion,” he said.
Jebelli further hailed these media for being able to open a path in the international arena where they can make their voice heard and be influential.
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