Iranian government Has been summoned to the British ambassador after he publicly asked for the release of journalists detained in Iran, according to the Persian country’s Foreign Ministry.

Reaction to the British ambassador’s statement

The summons of British Ambassador to Iran Simon Shercliff follows his tribute to journalists on Iran’s National Journalists Day. Shercliff appealed online to Tehran for the release of the detainees, including journalists, in what Iran deemed “interventionist content”.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry expressed its “strong protest” against what it considered an “excessive and irresponsible” position that contravened “diplomatic rules and regulations”.

More than 90 journalists have been detained or questioned in Iran since last year’s nationwide protests, according to the reformist Shargh daily. Most have been released, but the fate of the eleven journalists is still uncertain.

Details about detained journalists and protests

Arrests and interrogations of journalists increased after mass demonstrations in September 2022. This emerged from the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian-Kurdish woman who was detained for violating the country’s strict dress code.

Hundreds of people, including security forces, were killed and thousands arrested during these events, described by the authorities as “riots” instigated by the West.

Among those detained, journalists Niloufar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi covered Amini’s death and remain in detention. The two face separate trials in Tehran, accused of carrying out propaganda against the state and conspiring against national security.

Due to the intervention of the British ambassador

The interference of the British ambassador and the subsequent summons by Iran underscored the strain in diplomatic relations between the two countries. The request for the journalist’s release and Iran’s firm response could pose new challenges in bilateral relations.

Shercliff’s stance reflects growing international concern about the human rights situation in Iran, although the Iranian government steadfastly rejects outside interference in its internal affairs.

The summons of the British ambassador marks a critical point in diplomacy between the two countries, whose relations are already in a fragile state.

The situation of human rights and freedom of the press in Iran

The journalist’s detention and Iran’s response to the British ambassador’s summons highlight the complex situation of human rights and press freedom in the country. Iran’s position regarding the ambassador’s request demonstrates a firm position in the management of its internal affairs.

The large number of journalists who have been detained, interrogated and awaiting trial is an indication of the challenges facing freedom of expression in the Islamic Republic.

The closed trials and accusations of propaganda and conspiracy reflect the country’s underlying tensions over press freedom and relations with the West.

The current situation underscores the need to continue to observe and understand events related to press freedom in Iran, without neglecting the complexities of the country’s domestic and foreign policies.