Iran's parliament has passed a resolution that could result in prison sentences of up to two years for citizens communicating with foreign media outlets, regardless of where the contact occurs. This move represents a significant tightening of information control by the Islamic Republic.
The legislation, which is expected to be formally approved, targets communication with any U.S. news organization, foreign embassy, or institution deemed hostile to the Iranian regime. The sole exception is if such communication receives explicit clearance from Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the Shargh newspaper.
This crackdown on free speech, affecting Iran's 93 million residents, occurs amid a backdrop of negative reports concerning the nation's economy, including struggles with high inflation and unemployment. Some reports suggest these economic hardships have led to individuals resorting to stealing food or foregoing medical treatment.
The new resolution effectively criminalizes virtually any verbal or written contact with foreigners, particularly media organizations, and imposes severe penalties. This builds upon existing strict laws that already prohibit sending information to U.S. and U.K. government-funded media like VOA Farsi and BBC Farsi, as well as foreign-backed Iranian media outlets in exile.
Beyond media contact, the proposed legislation also introduces measures to ban educational and research activities with foreign ties. Individuals involved in activities deemed "incompatible with Iranian culture" could face potential prison terms of up to 10 years.
Furthermore, the resolution includes provisions to severely punish any policy or legislative proposals drafted under the direction of foreign intelligence services that could harm Iran's security or independence. Cases falling under this category would be tried by Revolutionary Courts, with potential prison sentences of up to 30 years for those found guilty.
A similar law was enacted by the Islamic Republic following a past conflict, which was notably used to sentence Iranian photojournalist Yalda Moaiery to 15 years in prison. The current resolution is seen by some as part of a broader trend towards increased authoritarianism under the new leadership, with one student likening the country's trajectory to "North Koreanization."