On June 16, Israel attacked the Iranian state broadcasting television station (IRIB) in the Iranian capital, Tehran. This action came after Iran launched a new round of missiles towards Israel, resulting in at least 8 deaths. In response, Israel targeted the Iranian national television station. The attack led to the interruption of the live broadcast of the news anchor Sahar Imami.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the building targeted was also used as a communication center by the Iranian armed forces. They claimed that the Iranian military used civilian activities as a cover to conceal the military uses of the infrastructure and assets at the center. The IDF added that the attack directly damaged the military capabilities of the Iranian armed forces.
Earlier that day, IDF issued evacuation orders for the area in Tehran’s third district where the office of the Iranian Islamic Republic Broadcasting organization is located.
In the late hours of June 16, Hu Xijin, the former editor-in-chief of the Chinese state media Global Times, posted on social media condemning Israel’s bombing of the Iranian television station. He called on media outlets worldwide to denounce Israel’s “barbaric acts.”
Hu Xijin expressed his belief that the bombing of the Iranian television station by Israel was not only a serious offense to global television stations and media professionals but also posed a potential threat to the safety of journalists worldwide. He urged all media industry organizations around the world to take action.
In response to Hu Xijin’s comments, some internet users mocked his stance, suggesting that he should actually condemn Iran instead of Israel. They also made sarcastic remarks about Hu Xijin’s statements and called for practical actions rather than just words of condemnation.
The online commentary varied, with some criticizing Hu Xijin’s position and others defending the actions taken by Israel against what they deemed as unscrupulous media. Some pointed out the contradictions in Hu Xijin’s statements, questioning his consistency in addressing similar situations involving other countries.
The debate highlighted differing perspectives on the role of media in conflicts and raised questions about the boundaries of journalistic responsibilities in times of escalation between nations. While some supported Hu Xijin’s call for condemnation, others saw it as selective and questioned the motives behind such statements.