Al Mayadeen Media Network issued a statement, regarding the Canadian authorities' decision to impose sanctions on Iranian media outlets and journalists.

Following is the text of the statement:

"It is with great astonishment and suspicion that Al Mayadeen Media Network views the latest Canadian authorities’ decision to impose sanctions on Iranian media outlets and journalists, under different unfounded pretexts.

Al Mayadeen Network hereby announces that it stands in solidarity with the Iranian state TV, as well as newspapers, agencies, and all media personnel in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Al Mayadeen Network categorically rejects the principle of imposing sanctions of any kind and considers it a failing, reckless, and useless option.

The attempt to take revenge through imposing sanctions is but a sign of weakness, which can never symbolize strength.

The exclusion attempts and sanctions the Russian media were subjected to are clear proof of the failure of this course, which contradicts the most basic rules of professionalism and violates the freedom of the press. The current sanctions on Iranian media are doomed to fail, no matter what.

While Al Mayadeen Network affirms its categorical rejection of these sanctions, it stresses that some countries and organizations deal with bewildering duplicity with the international media that obscure the facts in occupied Palestine, as the Israeli occupation killing machine continues its daily aggression on the Palestinian people.

Al Mayadeen calls on the world's free media to stand in solidarity with fellow journalists in Iran and to affirm their rejection of the unjust sanctions policies."

Ghassan Ben Jeddou

CEO of Al Mayadeen Media Network

What happened?

It is worth mentioning that Canada had imposed sanctions on Iranian media outlets and journalists, and the Iranian Foreign Ministry accused Canada of becoming "addicted to such a racist behavior."

The Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani explained that the imposition of sanctions on the Iranian news agencies Tasnim, Fars, and NourNews, as well as Kayhan newspaper, in addition to the current president and the former head of the Iranian Radio and Television Corporation and one of its correspondents, represents the latest Canadian list of sanctions against Iran and Iranian individuals.

In a statement condemning Canada's decision, Kanaani said the sanctions against Iranian media outlets and journalists violate the Iranian nation's fundamental right to express its voice and opinion and demonstrate that Western advocacy for freedom of information and free expression is nothing more than meaningless rhetoric.

Read more: US’ sanctions virus spreading to its allies: Kanaani