Iranian Parliament Approves Jail Time for Contacting 'Hostile' Media

Iran's parliament has approved a bill that could send individuals to prison for up to two years for contacting media outlets deemed "hostile." This includes outlets associated with the United States or Israel, as well as those opposing the Islamic Republic.

The initiative, titled "Combating the Infiltration of Intelligence Services and Foreign Governments or Institutions into the Country," passed with 183 votes in favor, according to the official IRNA agency. The bill still requires review by the Guardian Council before becoming law.

Beyond interviews, the legislation prohibits sending videos, photos, audio, or any other data to non-Iranian media or individuals working as journalists outside the country. While interviews with foreign media not deemed hostile are not banned, they require prior notification to the Ministry of Intelligence.

The bill also grants the Ministry of Intelligence and the Revolutionary Guard Intelligence Organization the power to investigate alleged foreign influence and submit evidence to the judiciary. It includes further measures to restrict activities considered contrary to Islamic or Iranian culture, such as a lifetime ban on producing content deemed to promote a culture against Islam or present a negative image of the country. Penalties are also outlined for organizing or participating in courses and workshops deemed incompatible with Iranian culture, as well as for scientific collaboration with unapproved foreign institutions.