Iran's parliament is considering a bill that would criminalize contact with foreign media, potentially leading to imprisonment for journalists, researchers, and citizens. Human rights groups warn this move could isolate Iran and stifle the free flow of information.
This proposed law represents a significant escalation in Iran's efforts to control information and suppress dissent, potentially isolating the country further and making it more difficult for the international community to understand the realities faced by its citizens.
Iran's parliament is moving forward with a bill that would criminalize all contact with foreign media, a move that human rights organizations have decried as a severe crackdown on free expression and information flow. The proposed legislation could subject journalists, researchers, and ordinary citizens to prison sentences ranging from six months to two years for engaging with international news outlets, organizations, or even certain social media platforms without prior approval from the intelligence ministry.
Moein Khazaeli, an Iranian human rights lawyer, explained that any form of interview, contact, or transmission of photographs to foreign entities could be deemed a crime. This broad scope, he noted, could push Iran towards a situation akin to North Korea, effectively severing its society from global communication channels.
The case of acclaimed photojournalist Yalda Moaiery, who was recently sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison for her work documenting what the court termed the 'US-Israeli war on Iran,' highlights the risks faced by those who engage with international audiences. Moaiery, who has a history of criticizing U.S. foreign policy and sanctions, expressed her dismay at the charges, stating she has always been critical of both Israeli and American policies.
Bahar Ghandehari of the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) warned that the law risks turning Iran into an 'isolated black hole,' not only targeting journalists but also potentially criminalizing academic, professional, and civic engagement as national security offenses. Moaiery herself expressed fear of wasting her life in prison, facing a sentence that would see her released at age 60.