IFP Exclusive

US Arrest of Press TV’s Journo Violates Freedom of Expression: Zarif

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has dismissed the US detention of a journalist of the Iranian English-speaking television news network, Press TV, as “politically-motivated and unacceptable”, saying that Washington must immediately put an end to its political game.

In an interview with Al Alam News Network on Wednesday, the Iranian top diplomat urged the US officials to immediately free the Iranian-American Muslim journalist of Press TV, Marzieh Hashemi.

“The husband of Ms Hashemi was Iranian. So, she is deemed as an Iranian citizen and we feel duty-bound to defend the rights of our citizens,” he was quoted as saying in a report by Fars News Agency.

Zarif underlined that Ms Hashemi is a journalist and her professional life and career is completely clear.

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi condemned the US for detaining Ms Hashemi and said the Islamic Republic demands the US government to provide the journalist with all her basic and human rights and release her from the illegal detention immediately and without any precondition.

Hashemi was arrested in an airport in the US city of St Louis on Sunday, and has been taken to a facility in Washington DC by the FBI.

Hashemi is being held in jail without any charges. She was born in the United States and used to live in Iran before the detention. The Muslim journalist has been working for Press TV for over a decade.

IFP Editorial Staff

The IFP Editorial Staff is composed of dozens of skilled journalists, news-writers, and analysts whose works are edited and published by experienced editors specialized in Iran News. The editor of each IFP Service is responsible for the report published by the Iran Front Page (IFP) news website, and can be contacted through the ways mentioned in the "IFP Editorial Staff" section.

Recent Posts

China-Iran relations strengthen amid global changes: Chinese ambassador

Chinese Ambassador to Iran, Cong Peiwu, has reaffirmed China's unwavering commitment to strengthening friendly cooperation…

28 minutes ago

Germany says examining ICC arrest warrant for Israeli PM

Berlin is still determining whether to abide by its obligations to the International Criminal Court…

45 minutes ago

At least six Israeli soldiers commit suicide, thousands more get mental health treatment amid war: Report

At least six Israeli soldiers have taken their own lives in recent months, the Israeli…

2 hours ago

Britain suggests would comply with ICC warrant and arrest Israeli PM

The British government has announced it will comply with its obligations under domestic and international…

3 hours ago

12% of deaths in Iran attributed to air pollution, study reveals

Air pollution is currently the most significant environmental health risk in Iran, accounting for 12%…

3 hours ago

Ukraine starts talks with partners about advanced air defense systems following Russia’s IRBM strike

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has directed Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to engage with partners on…

3 hours ago