AFP: Several dozen journalists and the press watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) staged a protest rally outside the Iranian embassy in Paris on Thursday to demand an end to media restrictions in Iran.
PARIS (AFP) — Several dozen journalists and the press watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) staged a protest rally outside the Iranian embassy in Paris on Thursday to demand an end to media restrictions in Iran.
Foreign journalists in Tehran have been banned from reporting from the streets or attending mass rallies since violent protests erupted following the announcement of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's disputed re-election.
RSF secretary general, Jean-Francois Julliard, protested against the Iranian decision not to renew 10-day visas issued to visiting correspondents, which are due to expire in the coming days.
"If three days from now no journalists are able to testify on what is happening in Iran, it will pave the way for all sorts of abuses," he warned, confirming that at least 12 journalists have been arrested since the election.
Veteran French TV anchor Patrick Poivre d'Arvor was among the reporters who joined the rally, brandishing banners reading "Where is my press freedom?"
"We are not here to contest the results of the election, but to bear witness. Journalists must be allowed to carry out their work freely," Poivre d'Arvor said.
