Iran Summons British Envoy Over Journalist Release Comments

The British Ambassador to Iran has been summoned to Iran’s foreign ministry after he published comments calling for the release of jailed journalists.

Simon Shercliff tweeted on Tuesday, acknowledging Iran's celebration of August 8 as the 'Day of the Journalist'. The ambassador expressed solidarity with journalists facing hindrances in their work and called for the release of arbitrarily detained individuals, including journalists.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs deemed these remarks as "irresponsible, and out of diplomatic norms," asserting that such comments amounted to interference in Iran's internal affairs and were unacceptable. Shercliff was then summoned to the ministry.

"The UK, with its indefensible record towards the Iranian people, is not in a position to comment on the Islamic Republic of Iran. Here is the Islamic Republic of Iran, and we will not allow the sovereignty of the country to be neglected with arbitrary actions," stated the foreign ministry.

Iran has been facing international criticism for its press freedom record for decades. The country ranks third globally in terms of incarcerated journalists, trailing only China and Myanmar, according to recent reports. The 2023 World Press Freedom Index, compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), positioned Iran at the lowest rung on the list, only marginally above countries such as Vietnam, China, and North Korea.

Over the years, Iran has detained hundreds of journalists, writers, and bloggers, often on charges of jeopardizing national security through the expression of their opinions. Tragically, some of these individuals lost their lives while in custody.