President Hassan Rouhani said it is imperative that the law ensure equal treatment for all authorized media, regardless of their affiliations.
"All publications and media need to be treated equally by the law. If it is the case, we can claim we are a revolutionary country … and if not, we are going against the Islamic Revolution," which was meant to promote ethical values, Rouhani said in an address to the official opening ceremony of the 21st Press Exhibition in Tehran on Sunday, IRNA reported.
The president voiced opposition to rash decisions to shutter media outlets over any irregularities.
"We need a transparent system governing media activities and well-defined laws in this regard, and the word 'ban' should be the last word in media jargon," he said.
Rouhani noted that only the judiciary, Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance and Press Supervisory Board have the authority to look into possible media offences and any security officer is not allowed to deal with a perceived unlawful activity.
The 21st edition of the annual event is being held at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Grand Prayer Ground.
Culture Minister Ali Jannati, managing directors of news agencies and publications, administration officials, foreign ambassadors and domestic and foreign guests attended the ceremony.
The event, titled "Fair Criticism, Responsible Answer", is attended by representatives of more than 700 domestic media in 567 stands.
The exhibition opened in Tehran on Saturday and will close on November 13.
