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Iran bans online debate show over ‘false information’

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency New plan
  • Iran's judiciary has banned the YouTube debate show "Azad" for allegedly spreading "false information."
  • The channel's founder, Mehdi Ahmadi, was questioned and charged with disseminating false information, then released on bail.
  • The ban follows increased media controls in Iran since recent US-Israeli attacks and amid the ongoing Middle East war.

Iran's judiciary has banned the YouTube debate show "Azad," citing the spread of "false information." The channel's founder, Mehdi Ahmadi, confirmed he was charged and released on bail after questioning by authorities.

I, Mehdi Ahmadi, director and presenter of the Azad interviews have been charged with disseminating false information and have been referred to the prosecutor’s office yesterday and today to answer for these charges.

— Mehdi AhmadiThe founder of the 'Azad' YouTube channel confirmed the charges against him following questioning by authorities.

The judiciary's Mizan Online news site reported that an investigation was launched into the "Azad" channel after an episode broadcast contained "false information." Mizan stated the show operated as an unauthorized media outlet without an official license from the culture ministry. A judicial order prohibits Ahmadi from any media activity until a license is obtained, citing numerous violations of media regulations during its unauthorized operations.

This action comes shortly after a New York Times article described "Azad" as a talk show that "tackled topics that push the limits of Iran’s authoritarian system." Ahmadi stated on X that he was charged with disseminating false information and was questioned on Sunday and Monday. He confirmed his release on bail but noted the channel is prohibited from broadcasting interviews until further notice.

In accordance with the court’s decision, I was released on bail but the Azad channel is prohibited from broadcasting any interviews until further notice.

— Mehdi AhmadiAhmadi stated the current status of his release and the prohibition placed on his YouTube channel.

The "Azad" YouTube channel boasts nearly 160,000 subscribers and features debates on diverse subjects including the Iran-US war, sexual violence, the economy, philosophy, and other social issues. Its guests have included figures from across Iran's political spectrum, including opposition figures based abroad who openly criticize the Islamic Republic's policies. YouTube, like many social media platforms, has been blocked in Iran for years, requiring users to employ VPNs to access them.

tackled topics that push the limits of Iran’s authoritarian system

— New York TimesThe New York Times described the content of the 'Azad' YouTube show in a recent article.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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