29 January 2025
To the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
We, a collective of individuals from around the world, express our deep disappointment and strong objection to the recent offensive and unfounded remarks made by one of your reporters. These comments represent a departure from journalistic standards and an unjust character attack on Her Majesty Shahbanu Farah Pahlavi, the Queen of Iran in exile.
Her Majesty is a highly respected figure among millions of Iranians and supporters worldwide. She is admired for her extensive contributions to healthcare, women’s rights, children’s welfare, arts, culture, architecture, and numerous charitable initiatives. Her legacy continues to inspire people globally, transcending generations and borders.
We are appalled by the comparison made by your reporter, equating Her Majesty Shahbanu Farah Pahlavi to Asma al-Assad, the wife of Bashar al-Assad. This comparison is both baseless and deeply offensive. Asma al-Assad is associated with a regime known for its brutality, human rights abuses, and the suffering of countless Syrians. Any parallel between these two figures is an insult to Her Majesty, the Iranian people, and the victims of the Assad regime.
This reckless remark undermines the credibility and fairness expected from a reputable media outlet like the BBC. It disregards the values of accuracy, respect, and impartiality that form the foundation of responsible journalism.
As a global community, united in respect for Shahbanu Farah Pahlavi and the principles of justice, we demand the following:
- The immediate dismissal of the reporter responsible for these remarks, as their actions reflect a lack of integrity and professionalism.
- A formal public apology from BBC Persian, acknowledging the gravity of the offense and the harm caused to Her Majesty and her supporters.
By allowing such baseless and offensive comparisons, BBC Persian risks damaging its reputation as a trusted news source and alienating its global audience. We urge you to take swift corrective action to restore your credibility and prevent future occurrences of such misconduct.
We trust that you will address this matter with the seriousness it deserves. Together, we stand for accountability, truth, and the integrity of journalism.
Yours sincerely,
Iranian New Order Organisation (Irano)
Independent Signatories:
- Ms.Mina Iman Gholizadeh
- Ms.Mitra Fard
- Mr.Dariush Klantari
- Mr.Heidar Bidokht
- Mr.Artin Ehsani
- Ms.Narges Djalali
- Ms.Simin Djalali
- Mr. Anvar Papirvand
- Ms. Fahimeh Ilghami
- Mr.Hamid Fard
- Ms.Salome Kia
- Ms.Parastoo Lorestani
- Ms.Mojgan Reyhani
- Ms.Shabnam Momeni Moguie
- Mr.Ali Tarike Lamsaki
- Ms.Sadaf Daneshizadeh
- Ms.Ameneh Karimi
- Ms.Maryam Azimzadeh
- Ms.Mitra Jahed
- Ms.Parvaneh Mohebi
- Mr.Abbas Lesani
- Mr.Iman Vaez
- Mr.Mohammad Pashapour Delkhah
- Mr.Asadollah Narenji
- Ms.Shohreh Ahmadzadeh
- Mr.Mehrbod Pashapour
- Mr.Mehrzad Pashapour
- Mr.Mehrzad Moghazehi
- Ms.Sara Heidari
- Mr.Bahman Pashapour Delkhah
- Mr.Mohsen Pourhabibian
- Mr.Ahmad Abdi
- Mr.Keyvan Kiamehr
- Mr.Abdolreza Heidari
- Mr.Hamid Taheri
- Ms.Maryam Moghaddam
- Mohtaram Khorshidi Soogheh
- Ms.Elaheh Shabani
- Mr.Farshad Shekhali Babaei
- Mr.Mohammad Mohsenidoost
- Mr.MOEIN Nazarieh
- Ms.Azam Rahimi
- Ms.Saeedeh Birjandi
- Mr.Seyed Ali Mousavi Ardi
- Mr.Hadi Javan
- Mr.Khatereh Malekjani
- Ms.Zahra Jahanian
- Ms.Awat Mirzapour
- Mr.Hamid Shams
- Mr.MOHAMMAD ZAMAN Soleymani
- Mr.Reza Mohadi
- Mr.seyed saeid Mahdavi soltani
Signing Parties and Groups:
- Frau Leben Freiheit Düsseldorf
- National Party Of Iran
- Center Of Open Dialogue & Development
- IUC Canada
- GordAfarid Tv
- The Association of Iranian Human Right & Allies
- Supporter Of Prince reza Pahlavi in Japan
- Mehr Mihan Organisation
- Homa Group
- Iranmadari Global Network
- Organisation Iranische Parlamentarische Monarchie
- European Iranian Women for Secular Democracy
- Cyprus Iranians Association
- Jebhe Nejat Iran
- Nika Patriot Group
- Soldiers of Light
- AryaMehr Foundation
- Sepidat Association
- Anjoman Rastakhiz
- Baraye Azadi Group
- Formation of United Iranian