The All Pakistan Journalist Associationm (APJA) has issued a strong statement strongly condemning the missile attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) headquarters in Tehran. According to available information, the attack was carried out by Israeli forces and resulted in the death of one journalist and injuries to several other staff.

Předseda APJA Zaheer Alam označil tento čin for a "shameful and targeted attack on a civilian media institution"which is a direct blow against press freedom and a flagrant violation of international law.

"This is not just an attack on the building, but an attack on the truth itself. In war, the role of the journalist is even more important and silencing him is the first step into the darkness. There is no justification for targeting journalists or the media. They are black holes of truth that the world must never tolerate," uvedl Zaheer Alam.

In its submission, APJA recalled that journalism and media organisations are neutral civil institutions that are essential to ensure transparency, accountability and the public's right to information. According to the organisation, a deliberate attack on these institutions undermines the foundations of civil society and human dignity.

The President further stressed that APJA expresses its full solidarity with the Iranian journalists and condolences to the families of the victims. He also called on the international community, in particular the UN, international journalists' associations and human rights organisations, to hold those responsible to account and to take urgent action to protect journalists in all conflict zones.

"We join the global voices calling for an end to impunity for those who target the press. Journalists are not enemies - they are witnesses to history. To silence them is to commit a crime against humanity," Zaheer Alam concluded.

APJA/gnews.cz - GH