Iran BBC Persian Journalists 2020-10-13
2020-10-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from the reported intimidation of BBC Persian journalists and their families by Iranian authorities, affecting media freedom.
What recent representations have been made to the Iranian authorities on the intimidation of BBC Persian journalists in that country?
Attacks against BBC Persian employees and their families are unacceptable. We raise this harassment regularly with the Iranian Government, as well as at the Human Rights Council. We will continue to defend BBC Persian's editorial independence. Concerns were most recently raised in an E3 Foreign Ministers' letter to Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif on 22 September.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquires further on the lack of feedback from Iranian authorities regarding previous representations made about the intimidation faced by BBC Persian journalists.
Will the Minister give us some information on what responses the Foreign Office has received from the Iranian authorities to such representations? The BBC journalists themselves get very little feedback on this issue.
Sadly, the Iranian authorities have yet to provide any kind of justification for their actions that stand up to scrutiny. Their behaviour is indefensible, and we are confident that our Iranian contacts, including Foreign Minister Zarif, fully understand our concerns and our condemnation of such harassment.
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Assessment & feedback
Details of specific responses or feedback from the Iranian authorities were not provided; the answer focused on condemning their actions without confirming what has been received officially.
Response accuracy