In one of Al-Arabiya-Al-Hadath TV programs, a report accused PRESS TV of money laundering, pointing to receipts paid for services between the main office in Iran and the offices and representatives of the media establishment among London, Beirut and Turkey.

The Journalist Support Committee (JSC) considers issuing such accusations would “demonize” the media institution (Press TV), threatening the safety of all its employees, causing them psychological and mental stress as a result of accusations of involvement in such processes, especially that these accusations were not supported by reports issued by experts and financial auditors who reveal the path followed of the aforementioned monetary operations.

As well, JSC notes the figures referred to for the sums of money (the largest of which is 40,000 US dollars), contrary to what is customary in professional money laundering cases (characterized by huge sums of money), which raises more doubts about the purpose of the report and suspicion of its credibility.

The Committee, while reiterating absolute support for the role of the media in revealing facts to public opinion, reminds journalists of the need to respect the code of journalism ethics, especially in terms of accuracy and objectivity in the published news, respect for human dignity and avoiding endangering anyone, unless the peremptory accusation is issued and proven by the concerned authorities. 

JSC - Switzerland
Friday, February 18th, 2022