The Iranian government has approved the first draft of a controversial bill that aims to impose harsh penalties on individuals who communicate with foreign media deemed “hostile” by the authorities. If enacted, those convicted could face up to 30 years in prison.
Named the “Countering the Influence of Foreign Intelligence Services, Governments, and Entities” bill, it passed through parliament on 16 August and is now moving towards final approval. A recent UN report described the bill as “broad and vaguely worded,” requiring Iranians to register any “activities with foreign agents or foreign nationals” through an online system linked to the Ministry of Intelligence and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reporting directly to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.
The IRGC has a history of violently suppressing dissent, as seen during a crackdown earlier this year. The proposed legislation does not only target journalists; it also encompasses any Iranians speaking to foreign media without prior approval. Jonathan Daghler from Reporters Without Borders highlighted that it includes various forms of collaboration and financial interactions, potentially leading to severe legal consequences.
The bill’s ambiguity has drawn criticism from legal experts. Mousa Barzin, an Iranian lawyer in exile, pointed out that it relies on vague concepts like “collaboration,” which could deter Iranians from speaking out for fear of repercussions. Mohsen Borhani, a professor at the University of Tehran, echoed these concerns, emphasising the unclear definitions surrounding charges of “damaging national unity.”
The legislation is seen as a direct response to the ongoing tensions stemming from the US-Israel-Iran conflict that escalated in February and follows a significant increase in arrests during the 2022 ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ protests, which led to over 100 media professionals being detained. Daghler noted that this bill would effectively legitimise pre-existing measures against journalists.
Next, the draft law will be reviewed by Iran’s Guardian Council, and if approved, it will be signed by the President, who will inform the public of its enactment. Despite international criticism, the Iranian judiciary is unlikely to challenge the Guardian Council’s authority on this matter.
