Sign electronic postcard to highlight
struggle
in Iran on World Press Freedom Day
The International Federation of Journalists
(IFJ) has marked this year's World Press Freedom Day with
a special focus on the situation in Iran where dozens of
journalists remain behind bars, newspapers closed and where
the IFJ affiliate, the Association of Iranian Journalists,
has had its office closed down.
"The onslaught on media in Iran has been unrelenting
since the disputed elections in June last year," said
Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. "The government has sought
to suppress independent media and to shut down all contacts
with outside following an unprecedented show of public defiance
to the regime."
The IFJ says there are still up to 35 journalists in prison
since the mass trial of media last August and many more newspapers
have been shut down.
IFJ affiliates, their members and journalists around the
world are asked to send an electronic post card to President
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, calling for the release of all detained
journalists and the reopening of the AoIJ office in Tehran.
"We need to show solidarity with journalists
in Iran all the time," said Aidan White, IFJ General
Secretary. "But
World Press Freedom Day (May 3) provides the opportunity
to focus the minds and send a message to the Iranian government
about our determination to stand by our colleagues and fight
for their freedom."