Iran’s Media May Face More Pressure
Iran’s conservative judiciary has sought to extend its control over the independent media, asserting its right to investigate directors and staff of new publications for “anti-revolutionary” elements.
The Iranian state news agency IRNA said on Wednesday that Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, deputy chief of the Tehran Justice Department, had called on the Ministry of Culture to withhold publications’ licenses until the judiciary reviews them.
Ejei cited provisions of the new press law, passed by the outgoing, conservative parliament, in his request. The new legislature convenes Saturday and is expected to seek ways to loosen the new press restrictions.
Last month the judiciary began a broad crackdown on the independent press, most of which favors the reforms backed by President Mohammad Khatami.
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