Iran Strikes Another Blow to Freedom
Striking another blow to freedom, Iran shut down its leading reformist newspaper this week. The doors were slammed on the daily Shargh (East) after it published an interview calling for greater gender equality. This is the second time in the past 12 months that the government has forced the paper to stop publication. The first time was in September 2006 after it printed a cartoon poking fun of Iranian leaders. The Shargh was finally allowed to reopen in June. Read the full article here.
Founded in 2003, the Shargh published an interview with opposition poet Saghi Qahraman who argued for less restrictive gender roles. Qahraman, a woman, encouraged men to take a greater role in household and childcare activities. Her views were deemed "anti-morality" by the government and counter to Islam.
Pro-reform journalists have been targeted by the hardline judiciary. More than 100 publications have been shut down and dozens of editors and writers jailed since 2005 in this "democratic" country.
Founded in 2003, the Shargh published an interview with opposition poet Saghi Qahraman who argued for less restrictive gender roles. Qahraman, a woman, encouraged men to take a greater role in household and childcare activities. Her views were deemed "anti-morality" by the government and counter to Islam.
Pro-reform journalists have been targeted by the hardline judiciary. More than 100 publications have been shut down and dozens of editors and writers jailed since 2005 in this "democratic" country.
Labels: Iran, journalists, newspaper ban, reformists
