Iran bans online debate show over 'false information'

Iran's judiciary has banned the popular YouTube debate show "Azad" for spreading "false information," while the channel's founder faces charges and has been released on bail. The ban came after an investigation following the broadcast of an episode that authorities deemed to contain "false information." The show, which has nearly 160,000 subscribers, regularly discusses a wide range of topics, including political issues, social issues, and the ongoing Middle East conflict following the US-Israeli attacks on February 28.

The show's founder, Mehdi Ahmadi, was charged with disseminating false information and questioned by authorities. Ahmadi stated that he was released on bail but the channel remains prohibited from broadcasting any content until further notice. Iran has tightened media controls since the recent conflicts, requiring journalists to obtain authorisation and licences for coverage, while platforms like YouTube have been blocked in the country for years.