Iranian Parliament Approves Bill Criminalising Interviews with Designated Hostile Foreign Media
The Majlis passed a bill 174-6 banning Iranians from giving interviews to outlets deemed hostile by the Intelligence Ministry, with penalties ranging from imprisonment to flogging.
Iran's parliament voted 174-6 to adopt Article 22 of a counter-intelligence bill that makes it a crime for Iranians to interview or discuss matters with media outlets designated as hostile by the Intelligence Ministry, punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment, fines, 31-74 lashes and loss of social rights. The law divides foreign states into "level 1" (formally hostile) and "level 2" (those planning actions against Tehran's interests), with the latter list to be prepared by the Intelligence Ministry and the IRGC intelligence agency and approved by the Supreme National Security Council.
Cabinet members, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, had criticised the draft for threatening scientific activity and encouraging elite emigration, and First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref warned of damage to science and technology. The parliament also passed Article 20, penalising the unauthorized sharing of unpublished official information with foreign agents with four to ten years in prison and a permanent ban from the relevant post.
The bill now awaits review and, if needed, a final decision by the Expediency Council. Voter turnout for the election that produced one outlet Majlis was around 41% nationally and roughly 24% in Tehran.
Why it matters
The law could severely restrict Iranians' ability to speak to foreign media and tighten state control over information.
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