At least that is what Reporters Without Borders thinks, as well as journalists and others that don’t play along the Iranian rules online.
In the latest move, Tehran prosecutor general Said Mortazavi announced yesterday that the “special prosecutor’s department for Internet crimes” will henceforth work directly with the intelligence services.
They also adds:
The organisation added: “The creation of a special prosecutor’s department for Internet crimes is part of a broader project by the authorities designed not only to monitor online content but also to impose extremely severe sentences, including the death penalty, for Internet crimes. We deplore this department’s increased power, which is a formidable repressive tool and an excellent way to get people to censor themselves.”
Not too long ago, Iranian blogger Omid Reza Mir Sayafi died in prison, which makes this even more serious for people in Iran who doesn’t agree with the government. Hat tip: Committee to Protect Bloggers.
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Thanks, this attempt to hunt down bloggers is disconcerting. I’ve posted two pieces about Iranian activity on the social web in the last 24 hours at http://www.strategicsocial.com. Please check it out and let me know your thoughts.
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This is true. Almost 24 bloggers have been hunted by iran intelligence service.
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Iranian people like peace and freedom. Our government is not what 65 million iranian people want.