Iran parliament votes to criminalise interviews with 'hostile' foreign media

Iran's parliament voted 174 to six on Tuesday to pass an article banning Iranian nationals from giving interviews to or participating in discussions with media outlets designated as "hostile" by the Intelligence Ministry, or with outlets owned, managed or funded by operatives connected to countries classified as adversaries of the Islamic Republic. Violations of Article 22 of the bill on "countering the penetration of intelligence services and foreign governments or entities" carry sixth-degree penalties under the Islamic Penal Code, including imprisonment of more than six months up to two years, fines, 31 to 74 lashes, deprivation of social rights and other restrictions.