Latest update: 17/06/2009 

- government - Internet - Iranian elections - Journalism - media


Government calls foreign media 'mouthpiece of rioters'
The Iranian foreign ministry said on Wednesday that foreign journalists have supported the rioters "in an uncalculated, hasty and rude reaction toward the illegal gatherings." Protests have been ongoing since President Ahmadinejad's re-election.
By FRANCE 24 (with wires) (text)
Luke BROWN (video)

AFP - Iran on Wednesday accused some foreign media outlets of beconming the "mouthpiece of rioters" tarnishing the country's image following the disputed presidential election.

   
"The presence of hundreds of foreign media (personnel) during the last election and their observation of the existing realities alongside the successful experience in the past 30 years in organising elections is a symbol of utter transparency in the election process," the foreign ministry said.
   
"But some countries, in an uncalculated, hasty and rude reaction towards the illegal gatherings, have supported them contrary to democratic principles and regulations and have become the mouthpiece of the rioters' movement."
  
The statement carried by ISNA news agency was directed to "interfering comments by some Western countries, officials and media."
   
Iranian officials usually consider employees of the foreign media as official representatives of their respective countries.
 

The government doesn't realise people can mobilise by Internet.
R. Homayoun in Tehran
Related Content
Close