Iran parliament weighs bill imposing jail terms for citizens speaking to foreign media

TEHRAN, Iran — TEHRAN — Iran's parliament is reviewing draft legislation that would impose prison sentences on Iranians who share information about developments inside the country with American or Israeli media outlets. The New York Times reported that the bill classifies interviews and other communications with media outlets that Tehran designates as "enemy" as a criminal offense. Under the proposal, individuals who share information abroad without authorization from the authorities would face prison terms ranging from six months to two years. The legislation also bans interviews with foreign media without approval from the Intelligence Ministry, a requirement that would extend to interviews conducted in the capital, Tehran. The bill goes beyond media contacts, seeking to criminalize political or legal activities deemed harmful to Iran's security that are directed by foreign intelligence services. Cases under the measure would be heard by revolutionary courts, which critics say lack independence from the establishment. Judicial Commission member Osman Salari said the draft provisions have not been finalized and could still be amended before the legislative process is complete. The proposal builds on a similar law adopted after last year's twelve-day war. Under that legislation, Iranian photojournalist Yilda Moaieri was sentenced to 15 years in prison on charges of giving interviews to organizations classified as "enemy" and providing photographs to entities linked to the United States and Israel.