Iran closes two pro-reform publications
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 6 September 2011 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iran closes two pro-reform publications, 6 September 2011, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/4e6f68588.html [accessed 18 May 2013] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 06, 2011
"Ruzgar" editorial staff with its first issue in 2006.
Iran has shut down two publications after they published articles critical of President Mahmud Ahmadinejad.
The official Irna news agency said "Shahrvand-e Emrouz", a weekly reformist news magazine, was shut down for violating press laws.
It said the daily "Ruzgar" was temporarily closed down for publishing propaganda.
Both publications have been closed in the past.
Since 2000, Iran has closed more than 100 publications, accusing many of being "pawns of the West".
The latest closures come ahead of parliamentary elections in the Islamic Republic next March.
Last week, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the vote in March posed a potential risk to the country's security and called for national unity.
The 2009 contested reelection of Ahmadinejad sparked weeks of bloody protests.
Analysts say leaders in Iran are wary of a repeat of 2009 or, as some see as more likely, a low turnout from disaffected voters.
(Reuters)
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
