In Iran, Contact with Foreigners Could Soon Be a Crime
A new bill would impose sweeping restrictions and penalties for ties with foreign institutions and contacts with foreign-based media.
The Iranian parliament recently approved the main provisions of a bill that could impose strict restrictions on interactions with foreign entities and organizations. The legislation aims to combat alleged foreign influence on Iranian society and institutions. Under the proposed law, contacts with foreign media, research institutions, foreign embassies, and groups, as well as receiving financial aid from abroad, could be prohibited, require prior approval, or result in criminal penalties.
The bill still needs to pass through the Guardian Council, an unelected body loyal to the ruling clerics, before becoming law.
Critics argue that the bill will blur the line between legitimate contact and foreign influence, creating an environment of fear and insecurity. Iran already has one of the most restrictive media environments globally, ranking 177 out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index. The government controls broadcast networks, bans foreign media, and frequently blocks the internet during civil unrest.
Obtaining information from within Iran is extremely difficult, with media access classified as "severely restricted" by the Reporters Without Borders.
The bill could hinder independent media and international organizations' ability to gather information from inside Iran. It would require criminal penalties for journalists and researchers who interview or discuss with media deemed hostile to the Islamic Republic. The legislation would also limit academic collaboration by mandating that the Intelligence Ministry maintain an annual list of approved foreign universities and institutions for scientific and research cooperation.
Civil society groups, NGOs, and political parties receiving foreign funding or conducting joint activities would need approval from a committee involving government ministries and security agencies. Legal experts warn that the bill could become a tool for suppressing political opponents, human rights activists, and stifling Iran's scientific engagement with the world.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
