Censoring criticism
Baztab, an Iranian fundamentalist site which has accused Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of betraying the Islamic revolution by attending a female dance show, has been closed for acting against the constitution and undermining national unity.
The order to close the website coincided with the confirmation of Gholamhossein Elham, who has supported restraints on press freedom, as Iran’s new judiciary minister. His appointment came as the government disclosed new measures to monitor and restrict unofficial news websites.
Baztab is one of Iran’s most widely read political sites and has criticised both the government’s economic policies, which have produced surging inflation and high unemployment, as well as blaming Ahmadinejad’s approach to Iran’s nuclear programme for bringing the country closer to confrontation with the west.
The website also posted video footage purportedly showing Mr Ahmadinejad watching a female dance performance at the recent Asian Games in Qatar, in breach of Iran’s prohibition on women dancing in front of men.
The culture and Islamic guidance ministry has deemed the site “illegitimate” and declared that its continued activity is “illegal and banned.” Access to the site is now blocked on most Iranian internet service providers.
Monday 26 Feb 2007 | Paul | Iran
