Tehran bookshop-cafés closed in new move against dissent
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 30 October 2007 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Tehran bookshop-cafés closed in new move against dissent, 30 October 2007, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4728681f21.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| 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. |
A woman browses at a Tehran bookstore that has so far escaped the crackdown (AFP)
October 30, 2007 (RFE/RL) – In what appears to be another blow to Iranian intellectual life, police in Tehran have recently shut down six bookshop-cafés, and others may be in line for closure, Radio Farda reported on October 29.
The head of the Tehran police information department, Mehdi Amahdi, justified the closures on October 27 by saying the booksellers' union does not allow two separate professions – namely, selling books and selling refreshments – to be practiced together.
But the sudden strict enforcement of regulations seems to target the writers and intellectuals who gather at literary cafés, rather than the business owners.
Hafez Mussavi, a writer and publisher in Tehran, told Radio Farda that he believes the crackdown is linked to a broader pattern in which Islamic authorities have stepped up efforts to suppress dissent across all segments of society.
"I think this is part of moves that include, for example, the closure of newspapers. It means that they are just waiting for an excuse to prevent cultural activities or limit them," Mussavi said.
The move comes amid a fresh crackdown this year on dissidents and the political opposition.
Along with newspaper closures, many intellectuals, teachers, and activists have been targeted by the regime. In August, more than 650 Iran-based activists signed an open letter condemning the growing pressure on students, journalists, and others, saying that many have been imprisoned on politically motivated charges.
Mussavi says he's unsure whether the café closures reflect a clear new policy. "But in my view, the general line is to limit and put pressure on independent cultural centers," he said.