Iran moves to criminalise interviews with US, Israeli media
The Iranian parliament has approved a framework for legislation that would criminalize interviews with media outlets deemed hostile to the state, including those from the US and Israel. Violations could result in prison sentences ranging from six months to 30 years depending on the nature of the contact.
Why it matters
This legislation represents a significant escalation in Iran's efforts to control information flow and suppress foreign influence, potentially isolating the country further from international media.
Iran's parliament on Sunday approved the broad framework of legislation aimed at tightening restrictions on suspected foreign influence, including proposed criminal penalties for engaging with media outlets considered hostile to the Islamic Republic, Iranian media reported.The bill's general principles were approved by lawmakers, according to Iranian newspaper Shargh. However, the details of the proposed legislation have not yet been finalised.Osman Salari, a member of parliament's judicial and legal commission, told Iran's Mizan news agency that individual provisions still needed to be debated and voted on. He cautioned against treating reports about the bill's specific measures as final.Under the proposed legislation, interviews or participation in discussions with media outlets deemed hostile to Iran, including US or Israeli media and organisations funded by either country, could be prohibited.
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