Source: The International Journalists' Network (IJNet)

According to a new report, in 2007 Iran banned a media outlet, newspaper or journal every 36 hours. The report, released on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, May 3, was published by Iranian human rights activists groups in Europe and North America.  

In 2007, 23 journalists were arrested, 63 journalists were summoned by courts, 22 internet sites were shut down, and 19 publications were banned in Iran, according to the report. Forty-two journalists were sentenced in the courts, 54 orders were issued against the press, four journalists were beaten, and three others have been sentenced to death.

In an interview with the daily newspaper E'temad, the secretary of the Association of Iranian Journalists said that within six months after the Ahmadinejad government took office,  570 publications were banned from publication and 2826 others are awaiting their licenses.

To read the entire report in Persian visit Rooz Online's web site. For more information, contact Irantestimonyinfo@irantestimony.com

... Payvand News - 05/08/08 ...