Statement of Tehran protest on US detention of Hashemi

The following is a joint statement by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, the IRIB’s Basij Center, and the Association of Muslim Journalists read out during a rally held in front of the UN mission in Tehran, January 23, 2019.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

“[Allah praises] those who convey the messages of Allah and fear Him and do not fear anyone but Allah. And sufficient is Allah as Accountant.”

Surah Al-Ahzab [33:39]

Our incarcerated friend, colleague and heroic sister, Press TV presenter, journalist, and documentary producer, Ms. Marzieh Hashemi -- who sets an example of how to promote divine missions -- has for some time been illegally detained in an absolutely undemocratic and anti-freedom manner, and in a country which claims to be the birthplace of freedom and democracy, and with a void pretext that lays bare the true face of the self-proclaimed advocates of freedom and democracy.

How is it that a “witness” or even “a key witness” is being constrained by handcuffs and shackles? How is it that a “witness” is deprived of her most basic religious rights? And how is it that a “witness” is denied every prisoner's basic right to contact their family, and made to stay in prison incommunicado, even though the judicial apparatus itself has acknowledged her innocence and lack of charges against her?

We consider this baseless and illegal detention to be a result of the US administration’s desperation in the face of the different voice of Marzieh Hashemi and the likes of her.

We believe this inhumane, groundless, and unwarrantable measure stems from the arrogant nature of the United States, which acts even against its own citizens. We condemn this behavior, demanding that Marzieh Hashemi be immediately released from imprisonment and detention, and that the US administration and police apologize to the international media community, of which Hashemi is not only a member, but also a prominent one.

PressTV-IRIB staff protest Press TV anchor’s detention by US

The personnel of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting gather outside UN office in Tehran to protest the detention of Marzieh Hashemi by the US.

We hold the US government, legal system and police responsible for any physical or mental suffering that could befall this Muslim mother, percipient journalist, talented presenter, and skillful documentary filmmaker.

We shall not stop protesting against those liable for this violation of her clear and inalienable rights until her freedom from incarceration. We will fully support this devout, committed, and perseverant woman, who has turned into a model for the world’s freedom and justice-seeking people thanks to her gravitas as well as resilient and courageous attitude.

We hereby call on the United Nations’ authorities and all supervisory international organizations to condemn the US government’s cruel behavior towards Hashemi -- who is the symbol of struggle against injustice and love for humanity, peace, and freedom -- thus fulfilling their duty towards her and all the world’s oppressed people, especially journalists and media employees, who are subjected to intimidation and suffering only for broadcasting the truth.

The undersigned express their gratitude towards all who have supported Marzieh Hashemi throughout Iran and the world, emphasizing that the protest movement against her illegal and inhumane treatment will go on, and that they remain resolved to expose the shameful and criminal face of the United States.

The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB)

 The IRIB’s Basij Center

The Muslim Journalists Association

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk