Iran Tightens Media Censorship, Adds 30-Year Sentences

On Sunday, the Iranian parliament passed a bill that criminalizes any communication or interviews with media outlets considered hostile to the regime. The ban applies primarily to American and Israeli media outlets and those funded by them, with violations punishable by six months to two years in prison. For the legislation to take effect, it must still be reviewed by the Guardian Council.

The new rules also tighten restrictions on other contacts with foreign entities. Interviews with other foreign-language media outlets will require notification to the intelligence services, and contact with embassies or international organizations is subject to approval by the ministry of foreign affairs.

The bill further restricts scientific cooperation, imposes harsher penalties for economic crimes committed under foreign direction and introduces prison terms of up to 30 years for political or legislative proposals drafted for foreign intelligence services.

This law builds on legislation passed last year following the war with Israel. Under that law, photojournalist Yalda Moaiery was sentenced this month to 15 years in prison for giving interviews to hostile media and providing photographs to organizations linked to the US and Israel.

(Reuters, Max)