Iran parliament approves bill criminalising contact with ‘hostile’ foreign media

One from the early responders searches for survivors amidst the rubble on the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike in the southern Lebanese village of Ansar. Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the Middle East war in March with rocket fire at Israel in support of its backer Iran. PIC/AFP

Iran's parliament approved a bill criminalising communications with foreign media deemed hostile, including US or Israeli-funded outlets. Violators face six months to two years in prison.

Contact with other foreign media requires notifying the intelligence ministry, while unauthorised contact with foreign embassies or institutions risks fines and lost social rights.

The legislation also stiffens penalties for bans sharing information without approval, and restricts scientific cooperation.

Foreign-directed policy proposals that "harm" national security carry prison sentences of up to 30 years. Iran's Revolutionary Courts will prosecute all violations. The bill awaits review by the Guardian Council before becoming a law.

6 mths
Minimum prison time violators of new bill face

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