While the exhibition is traditionally inaugurated by the president, this year President Rouhani was unable to attend due to a “conflicting schedule” according to first Vice-President Es’hagh Jahangiri who attended the official opening in President Rouhani’s place.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony for the 23rd Tehran Press Exhibition, Jahangiri stressed that Rouhani’s administration considers the presence of independent, sensitive, quick and courageous media to its own and the society’s benefit, adding “the criticism that we receive from media and press outlets is the most valuable capital for running the country.”
“Those who cannot tolerate criticism from the country’s official media outlets will definitely be led astray,” he stressed.
Jahangiri further promised that Rouhani’s administration would make every effort to ensure mental safety and job security for all active in journalism and press.
“We need you [the media] to have an active presence on the social scene for a serious fight against corruption,” Jahangiri stressed. “Lack of transparency and responsibility must be put aside, and this can be achieved only with the help of independent media.”
The 23rd Tehran Press Exhibition will run through 3 November 2017 at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Musalla with over 600 news agencies and media in attendance.
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