Iran Parliament Advances 33-Article Bill Criminalizing Foreign Media Contact With Up to 2 Years in Prison
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 27
Iran Parliament Advances 33-Article Bill Criminalizing Foreign Media Contact With Up to 2 Years in Prison
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 27
Summary
Iran’s parliament has approved a preliminary outline of a 33-article “foreign influence” bill that would criminalize unauthorized contact with foreign media, universities and embassies, with penalties reaching two years in prison.
The draft would require Intelligence Ministry approval for activities including speaking to international outlets, sharing information or analysis, and taking part in some scientific and cultural exchanges.
The push follows the U.S.-Israel war on Iran and Tehran’s earlier crackdown on protesters, when authorities imposed internet blackouts and other restrictions to contain information and dissent.
Critics inside and outside Iran say the bill’s vague definition of “influence” would formalize broad surveillance and self-censorship; President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration reportedly opposes it.
Iran already ranks 177th of 180 on Reporters Without Borders’ press freedom index, and photojournalist Yalda Moaiery said this month she received a 15-year sentence tied to work with outlets deemed hostile.