On March 12, Iran's Foreign Ministry issued a statement criticizing Australia's policy under which doctors could face sanctions for publicly criticizing the government on public health issues. Tehran said the regulation threatens freedom of expression and undermines the role of medical professionals in raising public health concerns.
According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry statement, Australia's policy has created a climate of fear that prevents doctors from fulfilling their duty to protect public health. Iran urged Australia to reconsider the policy to ensure doctors can express their views freely without threat of retaliation.
Iran's reaction comes as Australia tightens rules against medical professionals who make dissenting statements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Australian authorities have argued the measures aim to curb misinformation and maintain social order, but many international organizations say they may encroach on academic and medical freedom.
In its statement, Iran stressed that all nations must respect the voices of medical experts and protect human rights amid global health crises.
