Bans on Iran media violate international laws: Iran UN envoy

A senior Iranian official has lashed out at the restrictions imposed by certain European satellite providers on Iranian channels, saying the move is a blatant violation of international laws and the principle of freedom of speech.

Iran’s Deputy Ambassador to the UN Gholam-Hossein Dehqani said on Tuesday that taking Iranian satellite channels off the air is a contravention of international regulations.

“Over 20 Iranian satellite TV and radio channels have been banned, a move which runs counter to the claim of supporting freedom of expression, human rights standards and the free flow of information,” said the Iranian envoy at the 35th meeting of the UN Committee on Information.

He called on the countries imposing such restrictions against Iran to “reconsider their decision” and respect the basic principles of democracy and freedom.

Dehqani further urged the UN Department of Public Information (UNDPI) to demonstrate a proper reaction to the restrictions, saying the UN body should provide the public with “timely, unbiased and transparent” information.

Stating that many developing nations are suffering from media monopoly, he said certain countries are taking advantage of “this monopoly to distort realities.”

In recent months, European satellite providers have launched a concerted campaign to silence Iran’s international media outlets.

Eutelsat’s Israeli-French CEO Michel De Rosen has stepped up his restrictive campaign by appealing to major satellite providers in Europe and Asia to take Iranian media off the air.