The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has appealed to the president of Iran to allow the reopening of the headquarters of the Association of Iranian Journalists (AoIJ) and release imprisoned journalists.
In a letter to President Hassan Rouhani, the IFJ points out that the AoIJ's Tehran offices have been closed since August 2009, following an order from the general prosecutor.
It also calls for the president to take urgent action to secure the release of those journalists who are currently in Iranian prisons.
Signed by the IFJ's president, Jim Boumelha, the letter welcomes statements by Rouhani about press freedom in Iran and the role and responsibility of journalists in upholding the right of Iranian citizens to receive reliable and trustworthy information.
But he adds: "If these powerful statements are to have an enduring impact, it is crucial that your government now takes the positive and enduring action that will convey its commitment to freedom of speech and media freedom."
Source: IFJ
