The Iranian Press and the Islamic Republic

Interesting and very informative walk through on the conditions for the press trying to cover the proud Islamic republic. The press is really the first frontline, and there's a long way to go in Iran. Dictators of whatever breed hate free speech.

By Ali Nouri Zadeh, London, Asharq Al-Awsat, March 16:

– Recently reformist Iranian journalist, Elias Hadrati, 44 was indicted for encouraging individuals both inside and outside of Iran to work against the security of the Islamic Republic. He has been accused of promoting the distortion of “public opinion” and has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. Etemad, the newspaper for which he writes has stated that he has been charged with “inciting against the regime”. The indictment was based on articles published in 2005, two of which criticized the vetting of candidates and one condemned the death sentence given to Hashem Aghajari. Since 2000, the Iranian judiciary has been responsible for closing down tens of reformist newspapers.

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