In an official statement, Hujjat al-Islam Ibn Hassan Amlawi, President of the Indian Ulema and Preachers’ Association, denounced the July 27 broadcast by India TV, which he said repeated unfounded claims originally disseminated by the Israeli spy agency Mossad.
“The baseless accusations directed at Ayatollah Khamenei constitute a gross violation of ethical, religious, and journalistic standards,” the statement read. “This act represents not only a smear against a revered religious authority but also an affront to millions of Shiites across the world, including in India.”
Violation of Islamic and Media Ethics
Citing Islamic teachings, the Indian Ulema Assembly emphasized the gravity of slander and false accusations. Quoting the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the statement recalled: “I have been sent to perfect noble character.” It further referenced Quranic injunctions and sayings of Imam Ali (PBUH) against slander, highlighting that falsely attributing words or actions to others is among the gravest sins in Islam.
“Slandering a figure of Ayatollah Khamenei’s stature—who is not only the Supreme Leader of Iran but also a widely recognized Marja‘ (religious authority) among the Shia world—is an unforgivable offense,” the statement asserted.
Unsubstantiated Allegations Echo Foreign Intelligence
According to the Assembly, the controversial claim aired by India TV lacked any journalistic investigation or evidence and mirrored disinformation previously attributed to Mossad.
“A media outlet’s core responsibility is to uphold truth and integrity. Regurgitating espionage-linked narratives without verification reflects not only professional incompetence but religious insensitivity,” said Hujjat al-Islam Amlawi.
He warned that such actions risk stoking sectarian tensions and undermining India’s social fabric, especially given the global reverence Ayatollah Khamenei commands among Shiite communities.
Call for Public Apology and Legal Accountability
The Indian Ulema Assembly called on India TV to issue an immediate, public apology to Ayatollah Khamenei, the Shia community of India, and Shiites worldwide. It also urged the Indian government to initiate legal proceedings against the channel for broadcasting defamatory and inflammatory content.
“This is not just a journalistic error—it is a dangerous provocation against one of the most respected religious and political leaders in the world,” the statement noted. “It may have serious domestic and international repercussions.”
Final Appeal to Indian Media
Concluding the statement, Amlawi advised media outlets to uphold ethical and professional standards, invoking a proverb: “If your house is made of glass, do not throw stones at others.”
“The people expect your journalism to reflect truth, not propaganda. Upholding media ethics is not a favor—it is your duty,” he said.
