In its statement, the Journalist Network for Palestine said that instead of holding a substantive journalistic discussion on developments in Lebanon – the subject on which the university professor had been invited to speak – the presenter chose to launch personal attacks, portraying him as ‘a man who supports the Iranian regime’ and accusing him of promoting ‘conspiracy theories’.
‘This practice is not a journalistic confrontation of arguments but a conscious attempt to tarnish and discredit an academic who intervenes publicly on developments in the Middle East,’ the statement said. ‘This stance is not an isolated incident. It forms part of a broader effort to discipline public discourse on the Middle East.’
The network added: ‘Anyone who questions the dominant narrative promoted by Western media about developments in the region is targeted and slandered. This targeting is part of a broader effort to impose a one-voice public discourse that will justify aggressive policies towards Iran, Lebanon, Palestine and the Middle East as a whole by the “hawks” of imperialism and Zionism.’
‘The Journalist Network for Palestine considers it unacceptable for television broadcasts to be turned into arenas for slander and the public humiliation of scientists and analysts,’ the statement concluded. ‘For this reason, we call for the immediate intervention of the Daily Newspaper Editors’ Union, so that it may examine this specific case and publicly take a position against practices that violate the basic principles of journalistic ethics.’
______________________________________________
Are you seeking news from Greece presented from a progressive, non-mainstream perspective? Subscribe monthly or annually to support TPP International in delivering independent reporting in English. Don’t let Greek progressive voices fade.
Make sure to reference “TPP International” and your order number as the reason for payment.