UK TV Channel Halts Broadcasts After Threat Alert

Manoto TV, a London-based Persian Channel, announced on Monday that it had temporarily suspended live broadcasts after UK counter-terrorism police alerted its landlord to a potential threat originating in Tehran.

Launched in 2010, Manoto TV is an opposition channel popular among the Iranian diaspora.

The broadcaster said the suspension came as Iran faces one of the “most sensitive moments” in its history, amid large-scale anti-government protests challenging the clerical leadership.

Manoto TV Suspends Broadcasts Over Threat — Credit: Youtube

“At a time when … domestic and regional developments are unfolding at an unprecedented pace, the Islamic Republic’s threats against freedom of speech—aimed at suppressing independent reporting—have intensified,” the station said in a statement.

Manoto added that its landlord had informed the channel of an intention to terminate its tenancy following the notification from the UK’s Counter Terrorism Policing regarding a potential threat from the Iranian regime.

Staff were blocked from entering the building, prompting the temporary halt while alternative arrangements are made.

“Our priority is to return to live broadcasting from a safe and stable location as soon as possible,” the broadcaster said.

UK counter-terrorism authorities had not responded to AFP requests for comment at the time of reporting.

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