Journalist Support Committee: YouTube Must Reinstate Press TV UK's Account

On 13^th January without explanation YouTube permanently disabled the account of Iranian English-language media-outlet Press TV UK.

The Journalist Support Committee condemns this action taken by YouTube as it constitutes a violation of freedom of expression as articulated in Article 19 of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

In the context of increasing political tensions between the United States of America and Iran it is vital that social media and video streaming platforms do not exacerbate tensions further. YouTube which is a subsidiary of Google should refrain from involving itself in political disputes and allow Press TV UK equal freedom to operate as other state-media outlets on YouTube.

In January 2019 Press TV presenter Marzieh Hashemi was unjustly detained and held without charge for ten days in the United States on the basis of false accusations of espionage.

The Journalist Support Committee urges YouTube to acknowledge the importance of the free transfer of ideas and information in fostering the development of open civil societies. The Journalist Support Committee calls on YouTube to re-activate the account of Press TV UK which has been unjustly disabled. All social media platforms should comply with international law and protect freedom of expression.

Journalist Support Committee - Switzerland
January 15, 2020