Tehran: In a significant legislative move, Iran's parliament has advanced a bill that could criminalize contacts with foreign entities, including media, universities, and organizations, further tightening the nation's already restrictive information environment. The bill, which still requires final approval from the Guardian Council, aims to counter "foreign influence" by imposing stringent restrictions on communications with foreign institutions and media.
According to Deutsche Welle, the proposed legislation has sparked concern among legal experts and journalists, who argue that it blurs the line between legitimate contact and foreign influence. Sina Yousefi, a legal expert based in Germany, warns that the law could create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity as citizens may unknowingly engage in activities that could be construed as criminal. Iran is already ranked among the world's most repressive media environments by Reporters Without Borders, making information access within the country exceedingly difficult.
The bill, proponents argue, is a response to increased activities by foreign intelligence services and institutions. However, Parviz Yari, a journalist and researcher with the Defending Free Flow of Information, describes it as a continuation of Iran's efforts to suppress freedom of expression. He warns that the legislation could further limit independent media and international organizations' ability to access information from within Iran, effectively bolstering the state's propaganda machinery.
One of the bill's most controversial aspects is its potential impact on academic and civil society cooperation with foreign entities. Article 5 mandates that the Intelligence Ministry publish an annual list of approved foreign institutions for scientific collaboration, with unauthorized cooperation resulting in criminal penalties. This provision could severely restrict academic freedom and international research partnerships.
Legal experts like Moein Khazaeli caution that the bill could be used as a tool to suppress political opponents and human rights activists by criminalizing ordinary conduct. The legislation could lead to harsher penalties for actions deemed influenced by foreign actors, even if they are not traditionally considered crimes.
Overall, the bill represents a significant escalation in Iran's control over information and citizen interaction with the outside world. Critics argue it reflects the government's attempt to compensate for security shortcomings by imposing new restrictions on civil society and academic freedoms, rather than genuinely addressing espionage.