EU condemns Iran’s repression of journalists on World Press Freedom Day

The European Union condemned violence and repression against journalists by the Islamic Republic in a statement marking World Press Freedom Day, saying authoritarian regimes are increasingly using intimidation and silencing tactics against independent media.

In the statement, the EU said democracy cannot exist without a free press and that journalists must be able to work without violence, harassment, intimidation, persecution or expulsion.

It said the protection of journalists is especially critical in conflict zones, where reporters document the realities of war, including atrocities and potential war crimes.

The EU said journalists around the world are increasingly being killed, injured, threatened, arbitrarily detained, forced into exile or silenced, adding that women journalists are disproportionately targeted by gender-based abuse and online harassment.

The statement also warned that access to information is under growing threat from intimidation, abusive lawsuits, propaganda and disinformation disguised as news.

The EU said it remained committed to defending free, pluralistic and independent journalism, including through support for independent platforms, journalists and UN efforts to protect media workers globally.