Skyline International Condemns Attack on Journalist by Iranian Official in New York

Stockholm: Skyline International, an independent and esteemed news organization, vehemently condemns the recent assault on a journalist by an Iranian official in New York City, calling for a thorough investigation and justice to be served.

On Wednesday evening, an incident occurred outside the Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza Hotel involving Kian Amani, a correspondent from Iran International, who was reporting on the departure of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's delegation. Iran International reported that their journalists were subjected to aggression, harassment, and insults by members of President Raisi's entourage.

Video evidence captured by Amani and shared by Iran International clearly shows an Iranian official approaching the media barricade and initiating a confrontation. Amani, who was off-camera, can be heard in the footage asserting his status as a journalist while resisting the official's attempts to seize his equipment.

This reprehensible act of aggression against a journalist conducting his professional duties is an affront to press freedom and the principles of democracy. Skyline International strongly condemns such behavior, which not only endangers the safety of journalists but also undermines the fundamental values of freedom of the press and freedom of expression.

Skyline International urges the Iranian Foreign Ministry to respond promptly and thoroughly to these allegations and calls for a transparent investigation into the incident. Journalists must be able to carry out their work without fear of violence or intimidation, regardless of their location.

Abram Paley, the State Department's deputy special envoy for Iran, has already expressed his condemnation of the incident, stating, "Such behavior is unacceptable. We condemn the apparent harassment and intimidation of several journalists on US soil."

Iran International, a Persian-language news channel based in Washington, D.C., has consistently been at the forefront of covering anti-government protests in Iran, providing essential coverage, breaking news, and exclusive footage of events on the ground. Their commitment to journalism is commendable, and this attack is an attack on the principles of a free press that we hold dear.

Skyline International stands in solidarity with Iran International and all journalists who tirelessly work to bring important stories to the public. We call upon the international community to unite in support of press freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide.