Iran's parliament approves outline of bill to curb foreign influence in academia, media
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Iran’s parliament approved the broad outlines of a plan to counter foreign influence by tightening restrictions on academia, media and culture during a remote session on Sunday. The plan’s updated 33-article draft defines foreign-linked activities that would require registration and could lead to imprisonment for organisers of unauthorised workshops. The move came as a memorandum of understanding with Washington expired amid the US-Israel war on Iran.
Key Facts
- The updated 33-article version of the bill released on Wednesday defines controlled activities including publishing, statistics, scholarships, scientific cooperation, media work, research samples, money, goods and services, legal advice and artistic production.
- Foreign-supported workshops, courses or classes could lead to imprisonment for organisers and possible punishment for participants.
- Countries would be grouped into three tiers, with the United States and Israel expected to be placed in the highest tier.
- The Ministry of Interior would establish a portal where a broad range of foreign-linked activities, including exchanging reports, data or statistics, would have to be registered.
- NGOs, parties and associations would have to register, and in some cases seek approval for, foreign funds, contracts, training or other benefits, or risk getting dissolved.
Ratification Process
The general principles were approved during a remote parliamentary session on Sunday. Before becoming law, the bill needs final ratification by parliament as well as by the 12-member Guardian Council. The full ratification process could take weeks or months. Hardline lawmakers have dominated parliament since 2020 after elections marked by historically low turnout and candidate disqualifications. The plan was first approved earlier this year to counter the influence of Iran’s enemies, according to hardline MP Ruhollah Nejabat from Shiraz.
Political Context
The controversy around the plan erupted as the deadline of a memorandum of understanding with Washington expired. Tensions were heightened by prospects of further military escalation in the current US-Israel war on Iran. The plan has alarmed the public, experts and even elements within the government, as it would further curtail personal freedoms.
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Iran's parliament approves outline of bill to curb foreign influence in academia, media
