As photojournalist sentenced to 15 years, rights groups warn law would turn civic engagement into security crime

Iran has taken the first step towards criminalising contact with foreign media, in a move human rights groups have said attempts to “sever the entire Iranian society from the rest of the world”.

For journalists, researchers and even ordinary citizens, the proposed law being discussed by Iranian lawmakers this month could make speaking to international audiences and groups a potential criminal act and restrict coverage of events such as January’s mass anti-regime protests.

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© Photograph: Yalda Moaiery

© Photograph: Yalda Moaiery

© Photograph: Yalda Moaiery

Stars and Stripes is a newspaper that has served American troops for generations. Recently, its publisher was fired, and its editor and one of its reporters were removed, raising questions about its future. Stars and Stripes is funded in part by the Pentagon, but is protected from military censorship and control. Erik Slaven was its editor until last week and joined Geoff Bennett to discuss more.