TEHRAN – The "Assassination of Truth" ceremony took place in Tehran on Monday to honor over 200 journalists killed by Israeli fire in Gaza and Lebanon in the past year.

The event was attended by various Iranian officials, professors, students, local and international media activists, as well as ambassadors from several countries residing in Tehran. 

Peyman Jebelli, the director of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), spoke at the conference, referencing Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's declaration that "the time of victory has come," and confirmed that the Resistance leader's prediction has been validated. 

"The truth will never be silenced," he asserted, highlighting the crucial role of media and journalists in the Resistance for courageously unveiling the realities of the Israeli regime. 

He noted that the sacrifices of these martyred journalists, who lost their lives to uphold truth, resonate worldwide. 

Israel's war on journalism 

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has carried out more than 1,600 attacks on journalists in Gaza and Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of over 200 journalists, injuries to more than 150, and the destruction of over 75 media centers. 

In a separate speech during the Tehran summit, Mazen al-Sari, a journalist for Paltoday TV and spokesperson for the International Council for Free Media (ICFM), highlighted the unprecedented level of journalist assassinations in Gaza and Lebanon, stating that "the occupiers of al-Quds are assassinating the truth." 

He emphasized that Israel, supported by its Western allies, seeks to distort reality, but the ICFM is committed to countering these efforts. 

Fatima Ftouni, a field reporter for Al-Mayadeen in Lebanon, expressed her gratitude for the support and solidarity from the Iranian people and the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. 

"Despite the violence and destruction inflicted by the Zionists, we must honor the resilience of those who resist," she remarked. 

The Lebanese journalist pointed out that the media plays a crucial role in showcasing the achievements of the Resistance and exposing the aggressions of Israel, which is why the regime seeks to intimidate journalists. 

Ftouni expressed that despite the martyrdom of three more journalists this week, the journalists of the Resistance remain steadfast in their commitment to work. 

"The enemy aimed to shatter our resolve, but they do not realize that martyrdom makes us stronger," she affirmed. 

During the ceremony, Hani al-Khater, a journalist from Iraq's Alahad TV, emphasized the significance of global awakening, stating, "A special public awareness has emerged following Operation Al-Aqsa Storm." 

Additionally, journalists from various parts of the world voiced their denouements to the attacks and aggressions committed by the Israeli regime through video messages, calling for an end to the violence against journalists.