Iran
Four pro-reform papers closedPosted Oct 19 2009
An Iranian court recently shut down Tehran-based Arman (Ideals), Farhang Ashti (Culture of Reconciliation) and Shiraz-based Tahlil-e-Rooz (Analysis), three pro-reform newspapers. The New York Times also reports that last month another opposition paper, Etemad Meli, was shut down.
Al Jazeera reports the papers are considered to support protestors of Pres. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s controversial re-election on June 12. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reports that the two Tehran-based papers had their licenses withdrawn for “failure to respect the press law,” and no reason was given for the closure of the Shiraz-based Tahlil-e-Rooz.
Furthermore, as part of this media crackdown, RSF has learned that two more journalists have been detained in Evin prison. Mohsein Azmodeh, a journalist for pro-government Mehr, was arrested on June 6, and Fayaz Zahed, on staff for Etemad Meli, was arrested on the street. Azmodeh and Zahed join several journalists detained in Iran. Some, including Mohammad Ghochani, editor of Etemad Meli, and Issa Saharkhiz, an editor at Aftab (Sun), are in solitary confinement, according to RSF.
More Information
- Reporters Without Borders
- Al Jazeera
- The New York Times