BBC, RFE/RL complain of threats to families of Persian service staff
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 14 June 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, BBC, RFE/RL complain of threats to families of Persian service staff, 14 June 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/51d6cadd15.html [accessed 20 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 14, 2013
By RFE/RL
The British Broadcasting Corporation and RFE/RL say the Iranian regime has been threatening the Iranian families of people who work for their Persian-language services.
The BBC said Iranian intelligence agents had warned the families of 15 Persian Service staff that they must stop working for the BBC or their lives in London would be endangered.
Liliane Landor, head of languages services at the BBC World Service, said "the harassment has included threats that relatives will lose jobs and pensions" and be prevented from leaving Iran to travel abroad.
RFE/RL Radio Farda director Armand Mostofi said, "The harassment has intensified in the past several weeks, as the authorities take all possible precautions against anything that may challenge their control over the elections."
Iran is holding a presidential election on June 14.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
