World News
Iranian lawmakers discuss bill to criminalize unauthorized contact with foreign media
Human rights advocates warn the proposed legislation would isolate Iranian society by classifying international engagement as a criminal offense.
The short version
- Iranian lawmakers are considering a bill requiring citizens to notify the intelligence ministry before communicating with foreign media or international organizations.
- Violations of the proposed law could carry prison sentences ranging from six months to two years and apply to interactions on platforms such as X and Instagram.
- Rights groups caution the measure could turn ordinary academic, civic, and professional engagement into national security crimes.
- The legislative push comes as acclaimed photojournalist Yalda Moaiery reports being sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison for her coverage of the US-Israeli war in Iran.
Key facts
- Iranian lawmakers are considering a bill that would make unauthorized interviews, contact, or sharing of photographs with foreign media and international organizations punishable by six months to two years in prison.[The Guardian]
- Legal consultant Moein Khazaeli stated that the proposed law would require prior notification to Iran's intelligence ministry and cover social media platforms deemed foreign-financed, including X and Instagram.[The Guardian]
- Bahar Ghandehari, director of advocacy at the Center for Human Rights in Iran, warned that the measure threatens to criminalize standard civic, academic, and professional communication.[The Guardian]
- Photojournalist Yalda Moaiery stated she was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison under espionage laws for her coverage documenting the US-Israeli war in Iran.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unknown whether the proposed legislation will be formally passed into law by Iranian authorities or when it might be implemented.[The Guardian]