Asia Journalist Association urges Iran to halt violence, ensure press freedom amid deadly unrest

Protesters participate in a demonstration in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government, in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday. AP-Yonhap

The Asia Journalist Association (AJA) urged Iranian authorities to halt the use of force against civilians and ensure press freedom amid intensifying nationwide protests that have left scores dead and shaken the country’s stability.

In a statement issued Thursday, the Seoul-based journalist network expressed “deep concern” over the escalating situation in Iran, where demonstrations against rising prices and repressive state policies have been met with mass arrests and violent crackdowns.

“AJA expresses its deepest sorrow over the continued loss of precious human lives,” the network said, condemning the heavy-handed suppression of protests and “indiscriminate detention of journalists.” The group warned that the attempts to silence the media would “only deepen mistrust and exacerbate the crisis.”

The statement also cautioned that the turmoil could open the door for external interference, which might undermine Iran’s sovereignty and ignite broader instability across the Middle East — with potential consequences for peace throughout Asia.

Calling for a peaceful resolution through dialogue, the AJA outlined three key demands: an immediate end to the use of force against civilians; a domestically driven, democratic solution free from foreign involvement; and the restoration of press freedom, including the release of jailed journalists and protections for reporters.

“The crisis must be resolved through voluntary and democratic dialogue within Iran, without creating any pretext for external interference,” the statement read. “The Iranian government must guarantee press freedom and the right to information.”

The AJA expressed hope that Iran would “overcome this crisis and restore peace and stability,” and vowed to continue monitoring the situation closely as global concern grows over the country’s worsening human rights record and media environment.

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Seoul, the AJA is a regional organization of journalists across Asia committed to promoting press freedom, transparency and international solidarity in news reporting.