Health Ministry Apology Follows Verbal Incident with ROKNA Journalist + Videos

During a recent press conference, Alireza Raeesi, Deputy Minister of Health, verbally confronted Zahra Alihashemi, a journalist with ROKNA News Agency, prompting widespread public and professional reactions on social media and within journalistic circles.

Several prominent media and public figures, including the editor-in-chief of Haft-e Sobh newspaper, Dr. Abbasi, an ENT specialist, and other civil society activists, condemned the deputy minister’s inappropriate behavior and voiced their support for the ROKNA journalist, emphasizing the importance of respecting journalists and safeguarding press freedom.

Additionally, Mohammadreza Golzari, Secretary of the Government Information Council, and Shahabeddin Tabatabaei, a council member, expressed regret over the incident, reaffirming their support for journalists and the necessity of professional conduct and mutual respect in interactions with the media.

Following the incident, the Minister of Health issued an official apology to the ROKNA journalist and the wider journalistic community, underscoring the importance of respecting journalists and fostering constructive engagement between officials and the media.

Masoud Ebrahimi, CEO of ROKNA News Agency, welcomed the minister’s apology, thanking him for his respectful stance toward the media and calling for continued cooperation and mutual respect between officials and journalists. He also formally commended Zahra Alihashemi for her professionalism and dedication to journalistic integrity in the face of the incident.

Meanwhile, Mehdi Ebrahimi, the editor-in-chief of ROKNA published an open letter addressed to Deputy Minister Raeesi, criticizing his behavior and underscoring the vital role of journalists in safeguarding transparency and public accountability. The editorial emphasized that respect for media professionals is an inseparable part of democratic and responsible governance.

This incident highlights, once again, the critical importance of upholding journalists’ professional rights, protecting media freedom, and maintaining constructive relations between officials and media personnel. It also demonstrates that Iran’s civil society and media community remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any encroachments on the journalistic profession.