IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting organization) Vice-President in international news affairs Mohammad Sarfaraz called closing Press TV banking accounts in Britain illegal and said that banks have no authority to do so without legal proof, IRNA reported.
He told IRNA on Friday that Press TV has been registered in London and is working in accordance with Britain media law.
Sarfaraz underlined that the company has no direct affiliation with Press TV network in Tehran, noting that western countries, especially Britain, are usually following up their illegal actions by means of banking and economic levers. He said the banking accounts of the company have been closed in different banks.
He added that the bank officials have not replied officially in this regard, and just indirectly have attributed it to pressures from higher authorities.
Referring to published documents related to British communication affairs, Sarfaraz stressed that British security officials had mentioned that 'we should do something to stop Press TV activities in London'. During recent demonstrations of university students in Britain, Press TV reporter and cameraman were attacked by number of people wearing masks and their camera was seriously damaged.
Noting that imposing sanctions could not include closing banking accounts, he said that a few days ago, Guardian Newspaper wrote if new sanctions are going to be imposed on Iran, activities of the Press TV in England should be stopped.
He said that this agrument is irrelevant and they are just seeking ways to prevent Iran's media activities.