7.17.2004

Iran Bans Two Pro-Reform Newspapers

Hmmm.

Iran's judiciary on Saturday ordered two pro-reform newspapers to close temporarily, according to the state-run news agency.

The bans on Jomhuriat and Vaghay-e-Ettefaghieh were to be temporary, but it wasn't clear when exactly they would be allowed to resume publishing. In the past, newspapers generally have not reappeared after temporary bans.

Vaghay-e-Ettefaghieh was ordered closed for publishing propaganda against the state, insulting officials and publishing lies aimed at disturbing public opinion, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency. It did not give details.