Source: Radio Zamaneh
In another chapter of the government's post-election crackdown on Iranian
media, four Iranian daily newspapers have been handed a written warning by the
Ministry of Culture against publishing "divisive" material.
Asrar: www.asrarnews.ir
The four publications, Asrar,
Aftab Yazd,
Hayat-e No and
Etemad Melli are all close to the
country's reformist factions. Reformist media outlets have been repeatedly
filtered and banned in the past five months.
Etemad Melli: www.etemadmelli.org
The reason for the letter of warning from the
ministry has been cited as publishing "material" and choosing "headlines" that
are "against a sense of unity between officials and the people."
Iranian establishment has been dealing with the effects of a deepening rift
between conservative and reformist factions of the government since the
re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in June which many claim was fraudulent.
Recently Ayatollah Rafsanjani, Chairman of the Expediency Council announced that
there is no denying that these "political disputes are grave!"
Aftab Yazd: www.aftab-yazd.com
The authorities have been struggling to downplay
the political disputes and the crackdown on the media is at the forefront of
these efforts.
The letter from the ministry recommends that the media refrain from publishing
material that could "agitate public minds about certain differences of taste
amongst officials."
Hayat-e No: www.hayateno.info
Numerous newspapers have been banned in the past
five months whilst scores of journalists and bloggers have been arrested and
handed heavy prison terms.
Reporters Without Borders repeatedly condemns the treatment of journalists and
restrictions on the media in Iran.
... Payvand News - 12/05/09 ... --