IFJ condemns 'Israel's' strike on Iran's IRIB
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The IFJ condemned "Israel" for targeting Iran's IRIB headquarters, calling for accountability over journalists killed in the attack.
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Black smoke billowed from the Iranian state TV headquarters after an Israeli strike hit the building on June 16, 2025. (AFP via Getty Images)
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has strongly condemned "Israel’s" recent airstrike on the headquarters of Iran’s state broadcaster, IRIB, describing it as a targeted assault on media workers and a blatant violation of press freedom.
According to the IRIB reports, its building was hit at least four times, resulting in the deaths of at least three employees.
The attack occurred on Monday, as part of the Israeli occupation’s ongoing campaign against Iranian infrastructure. The IRIB facility, a prominent media hub, was left severely damaged due to the strike that triggered swift reactions from international watchdogs and journalist unions.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the IFJ said it "deplores Israel’s targeted attack on Iran’s State broadcaster and condemns the deliberate killing of media workers," emphasizing that the attack represented not only a tragedy for the families of the victims but also a grave threat to journalistic independence in times of war.
The IFJ called on all parties involved in the war to respect international law and avoid targeting journalists or media facilities under any circumstances.
General Secretary Bellanger urges criminal accountability
Anthony Bellanger, Secretary General of the IFJ, stated that "Israel’s" justification for the strike, based on claims that the broadcaster held a hostile editorial stance, was not valid grounds for a military attack.
"Those responsible for crimes against journalists must be brought before international criminal courts," Bellanger stressed, reinforcing the Federation’s demand for accountability in the face of rising violence against members of the press in conflict zones.
As global attention intensifies around the Israeli occupation’s military conduct, the IFJ’s intervention adds to growing calls for the protection of journalists and media workers amid escalating regional hostilities.
On Monday, June 16, the Israeli occupation carried out a strike against Iran's IRIB, in a glaring violation of international law.
Footage was released showing the moment strikes hit the building during the station's live broadcast, as well as the aftermath of the attack. Iranian media reported several martyrs and injuries in the strikes.
Notably, despite the attack and in a heroic act, the corporation resumed its live broadcast, with the host boldly challenging the Israeli occupation, saying, "target us again."
Moreover, Israeli airstrikes also targeted Iran's official news channel studios. Consequently, Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Tehran confirmed that all channels of the Iranian Broadcasting Authority are operating normally, except for the news channel.
