A recent decision by the Spanish �democratic� government to take Iran�s Hispan TV and Press TV channels off Hispasat has undermined Argentineans� right to access an alternative view of the world and learn about the reality through the voice of independent media.
Here in Argentina, political leaders find the decision as worrying. �It puts to the test Western values of democracy and freedom of speech�, Foreign Relations Secretary of Argentina�s Communist Party Jorge Kreyness says.

To give just one example of the seriousness of the situation, Mr. Kreyness points out that Press TV has covered the dispute between Buenos Aires and London over the sovereignty of Malvinas Islands in a comprehensive way, allowing the South American country to take its anti-imperialist stance to international headlines.

With the Iranian channels silenced, he wonders whether the UK would celebrate the move.

The list of Press TV news coverage from Argentina continues: pro-Palestine demonstrations to condemn Israel�s war on Gaza; international conferences to address NATO�s increasing military presence in the South Cone; political rallies to support Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez and South American integration or even a deep sensitive issue such as Iran-Argentina current diplomatic rapprochement after the AMIA incident.

To the head of the political organization Socialist Convergence Juan Carlos Beica the ban on Iranian media is beyond doubt a case of censorship.

Mr. Beica has faced criminal charges here as a result of his struggle against Zionism and his defense of Palestinians� right to a state; a judiciary process that leftist groups have considered part of a �campaign of persecution� against pro-Palestine activists.

Pulling the plug on Iranian media has led to strong condemnations around the globe. Argentina�s left-wing leaders have called to uphold people�s rights to have access to impartial information. This, in a world where they affirm new voices have emerged in the face of the "double-standard" message of the West.

By Press TV

 

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