The National Union of Journalists has issued a statement highlighting its concern over the "new wave of harassment and intimidation" faced by families of BBC Persian staff in Iran.
It read:
The Iranian authorities have stepped up their campaign against the families of BBC staff. Security officials have attempted to arrange meetings with journalists via family members and relatives have been told their family members should stop working for BBC Persian. The harassment has also intensified on the internet. Increasing numbers of websites are publishing derogatory stories about BBC Persian staff.
Meetings between the BBC and staff representatives have sought to help support those involved and a counselling service is available.
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Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary said:
The NUJ will do all it can to support and assist our members who have been targeted. No one should face intimidation because of the work they do as journalists providing vital reportage in the public interest. These are distressing threats and it is very sinister to harass journalists via their relatives and family members.
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