Statement by media activists, filmmakers, and participants in various periods of the Sobh Media Festival condemning the Zionist regime’s aggression against Iranian soil and the attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran Radio and Television

Following the aggression of the usurping Zionist regime against Islamic Iran and the Iranian Radio and Television Organization, the participants of the Sobh Festival issued a statement strongly condemning this criminal act. The text of the statement is as follows.

As media activists, filmmakers, and participants from various editions of the International Sobh Media Festival, we condemn the blatant aggression of the Israeli regime against Iranian territory, which has resulted in the deaths of numerous Iranians, including women, children, university professors, distinguished scientists, and senior military commanders.
This heinous act, a flagrant example of state terrorism and a blatant violation of Iran’s territorial sovereignty and core principles of international law, occurred while the Islamic Republic of Iran was pursuing a path of dialogue and diplomacy with rationality.
In continuation of the unjust and brutal attacks by the Israeli regime, on June 16th, the IRIB Building was also targeted, leading to the deaths and injuries of several journalists and staff members. It is important to note that such attacks on journalists and media personnel are not unprecedented; the blood of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian woman, continues to seep into the soil of Palestine. During it’s recent assaults on Gaza, Israel regime has killed nearly 300 domestic and international journalists amidst the streets of Gaza, seeking to conceal the extent of their crimes from the global community.
These systematic atrocities against the media violate international laws—namely the Geneva Conventions and United Nations Security Council resolutions—which explicitly prohibit attacks on journalists during armed conflicts, just as they prohibit targeting hospitals.
The beautiful and inviting location of IRIB building affectionately known among media professionals as the “Glass Building,” has repeatedly hosted us during the Sobh International Media Festival. It has served as a platform for transparent, uncensored news delivery to the Iranian people and the world. Throughout the Gaza conflict, it has been a voice for the voiceless and oppressed. Israel’s destruction of this glass building was an act of revenge but also an attempt to silence the truthful, transparent voice—that, however, will find its way, like pure water, despite obstacles of iron and stone.
In reverence to the pen, it is fitting that June 16, 2025 — the day Israel attacked IRIB building on its own territory — be designated as the International Day of the Oppressed Media of Truth. May the day arrive soon when the dawn of truth triumphs over the darkness of ignorance and deception.

Signatories:

Maram Ali, Palestinian artist and painter. Ahmad Sahmoud, Correspondent for Al-Alam News Network in Gaza.Hassan illaik, Lebanese Journalist. SL Kanthan, Indian columnist, blogger, podcaster. Simon El Habre, Filmmaker. Abed Alhadi, Lebanese documentary filmmaker. Suhad Khatib, Jordanian Painter and Graphic Designer. Fisal Ibrahim, Social Media Specialist.Diego Sequera, Venezuelan Journalist. Moamen Hassan, Egyptian Filmmaker. Pepe Escobar, Geopolitical analyst. Michael Wallace, Former Member of the European Parliament. Clare Daly, Former Member of the European Parliament. Radwan Mortada, Lebanese Documentary Filmmaker. Andreas Landeck, German-French documentary filmmaker. Max Blumenthal, American journalist and author. Anya Parampil, American journalist. Ajamu Baraka, American Political Activist. Homeira Ahad, Media activist and news writer. Mostapha Wehbi, Lebanese Filmmaker and Producer. Marwa Osman, Lebanese Host and Journalist. Abbad Muntaqim, Social media activist. Israa El Buhaisi, Al-Alam Network Reporter. Sean Murray, Irish Filmmaker. marie Duchene, Russian documentary filmmaker. Yousef Mawry, Journalist in Yemen. Johnny Miller, British journalist and author. David Miller, British university professor, researcher, author, and media expert. Dan Kovalik, American author and lawyer. Igor Lopatonok, American documentary maker and filmmaker. Louis Allday, British historian and author. Susan Abulhawa, Palestinian writer and social activist. Ehlimana Katica, Deputy of International Affairs, Channel One Bosnia. Tadhg Hickey, Irish writer and comedian. Larry Johnson, American analyst. Javier Sleiman, Executive Producer.