Some time ago, I took part in a video interview conducted by one of IranWire’s journalists. At the time of recording, it was stated clearly and agreed explicitly that the interview would be published in full, in video form, without any deletion, editing, rearrangement, or alteration of content. However, as of the writing of this letter, that interview has not been published in the agreed-upon form.
Instead, written materials bearing my name have appeared on platforms and outlets affiliated with the media organization, in which quotations and attributed themes do not accurately correspond to the complete and precise substance of the recorded interview. In these publications, the fundamental principle of fidelity to the speaker’s words has not been upheld. Such a mode of presentation inevitably conveys to the audience an incomplete—and in some instances distorted—representation of my views.
In light of the well-established principles of journalistic ethics, including the obligation of accuracy in quotation and the basic rights of an interviewee, it is reasonable to expect full transparency regarding the status of the recorded material. Accordingly, my request is clear and limited to one of the following two courses of action:
1. The full and unedited publication of the recorded video interview by IranWire;
or
2. A clear and formal declaration granting me permission to publish the complete version of that same interview myself.
In either case, direct public access to the full text and video of the interview would be ensured, allowing judgment to be based not on selection or interpretation, but on the original words themselves. I firmly believe that public opinion, when presented with the complete record, is the most informed and fair arbiter in such matters.
My contact details are already on file with your colleagues who previously communicated with me and conducted the interview. Nevertheless, the absence of any official response to date has compelled me to raise this issue openly and in a public, media-facing context.
While I continue to prefer that this matter be resolved calmly, professionally, and through dialogue, I hereby state that I reserve my right to pursue this issue through legal channels if necessary—a right that remains fully intact and independent of this correspondence and the requests outlined herein.
I hope that IranWire, in keeping with the principles it has consistently professed, will adopt a transparent, responsible, and professional approach in addressing this matter.
Respectfully,
Akbar Lakestani
