The Iranian parliament has approved a draft law that could lead to jail sentences of up to 30 years for citizens who speak to foreign media without authorization. The bill, entitled "Countering the Influence of Foreign Intelligence Services, Governments, and Entities," aims to punish Iranians who interact with American or Israeli media outlets, as well as any foreign media without permission. The bill has been criticized by human rights groups and lawyers, who argue that it is too broad and could lead to arbitrary arrests and prosecutions.
The bill requires Iranians to register their activities with foreign agents or foreign nationals and obtain approval through an online system connected to the ministry of intelligence and the intelligence branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC has a history of cracking down on protesters, including a violent crackdown in January 2026, which resulted in the organization being designated a terrorist organization by the European Union and other major bodies. Critics argue that the bill is an attempt to further restrict freedom of speech and silence dissenting voices.
The bill's provisions are not limited to journalists, but also target Iranians who engage in political or economic collaborations with foreign entities without approval. According to Jonathan Daghler, head of Reporters without Borders (RSF) Middle East Desk, the bill's language is extremely broad and could be used to prosecute anyone who shares information or receives financing from foreign sources. Mousa Barzin, an Iranian lawyer in exile in Turkey, has also criticized the bill, arguing that it relies on vague concepts such as "collaboration" and could lead to arbitrary prosecutions.
The bill's approval comes amid a surge in arrests during a 2022 crackdown on the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' movement, which saw over 100 media professionals detained. According to Daghler, the bill legitimizes measures that have already been put in place, including informal accusations of espionage against journalists. The bill's passage has sparked concerns about the erosion of freedom of speech in Iran and the potential for further repression of dissenting voices.
The bill will now go before the 12-member Guardian Council, which has the power to approve or reject legislation. If accepted, it will be signed by the President and become law. Despite international pushback, the judicial branch is unlikely to challenge the Guardian Council's decision. Critics argue that the bill is an attempt to further consolidate power in the hands of the Supreme Leader and restrict the rights of Iranian citizens.
Mohsen Borhani, a jurist and university professor at the University of Tehran, has criticized the bill's ambiguity and potential for abuse. According to him, Article 1 of the bill highlights issues with the phrasing and interpretation of charges such as "tarnishing public trust" or "damaging national unity." Article 5 of the bill would also require the ministry of intelligence to prepare an annual list of authorized foreign governments, universities, and organizations, which could further restrict the ability of academics and researchers to engage with foreign entities.
The push to create the bill stems from the US-Israel-Iran war, which broke out in February. However, critics argue that the bill is an overreach and could have far-reaching consequences for Iranian citizens and the country's international relationships. The international community has expressed concerns about the bill's impact on freedom of speech and human rights in Iran.
Key points
- The bill could lead to jail sentences of up to 30 years for citizens who speak to foreign media without authorization.
- The bill's provisions are not limited to journalists, but also target Iranians who engage in political or economic collaborations with foreign entities without approval.
- The bill's approval has sparked concerns about the erosion of freedom of speech in Iran and the potential for further repression of dissenting voices.
