From euronews · · 1m 30s
Iran Parliament Criminalizes Foreign Media Interviews
Iran's parliament votes to criminalize interviews with 'hostile' foreign media outlets.
In brief
Iran's parliament votes to criminalize interviews with 'hostile' foreign media outlets. Iran's parliament passed a law penalizing Iranian citizens for interviewing media outlets labeled hostile by the Intelligence Ministry, including imprisonment up to two years and 31-74 lashes. Originally reported by euronews.
Iran Parliament Passes New Law
Iran's parliament voted 174 to six on Tuesday to ban Iranian nationals from interviewing media outlets designated as 'hostile' by the Intelligence Ministry.
Penalties for Violations
Violations of Article 22 carry sixth-degree penalties under the Islamic Penal Code, including imprisonment of more than six months up to two years, fines, 31 to 74 lashes, and deprivation of social rights.
Two-Tiered Hostile Classification
The bill classifies foreign governments into two tiers: level 1 states formally designated as hostile under iranian law or by the supreme national security council, and level 2 states that have planned or carried out actions damaging tehran's political, defense, security, economic, social, or cultural interests.
Government Officials Exempted
A proposal by Tehran MP Alireza Salimi to exempt government officials from Article 22 was approved at the same parliamentary session.
Cabinet Opposed the Bill
President Masoud Pezeshkian's cabinet had formally opposed the bill, citing serious flaws including restrictions on scientific activity and negative consequences at national and international levels.
Science and Technology Concerns
First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref warned of consequences for science and technology, while Presidential legal deputy Majid Ansari said criminalizing broad categories could harm citizens' rights.
The one thing
Iran's parliament passed a law penalizing Iranian citizens for interviewing media outlets labeled hostile by the Intelligence Ministry, including imprisonment up to two years and 31-74 lashes.
