Iranian regime increases TV and internet censorship in tough new crackdown

• Government bans Wikipedia • West accused of trying to “undermine Iranian family unit”

Iran’s government already denies its people access to stations such as BBC Persian and the internet is heavily restricted for all but a very few. With such a restricted media, the Iranian population are forced to choose between he ideological state television and the increasingly popular Farsi 1 channel, which is purely for entertainment. Farsi 1, which is owned by the Moby Media Group, features no news or original programming, but it does stream back-to-back episodes of badly dubbed Korean and Columbian soap operas. Fearing the increasing popularity of the channel, the State broadcasters have, in recent months, been showing major Hollywood films in a bid to lure viewers back towards State controlled channels. The plan did not work. Potkin Azarmehr, a UK-based Iranian campaigner, says: “If you give people the choice between watching bad TV of their own free will or enjoying Hollywood films courtesy of the brain-washing government channel, the people will choose freedom every time.” The Head of Iran's State TV, Ezzatollah Zarghami pointed at the threat of foreign satellite TV, saying: "The destruction of the family unit in Iran is the top priority of Western backed radio and television networks. This has made our responsibility in safeguarding this holy institution and providing suitable paradigms even more of a necessity.” The Moby Media Group representative has denied any attempt to undermine the regime in Iran or insult any religious sanctities. They stress that they themselves are Muslims and their programs respected religious values, especially during the holy religious days in the calendar. They have asked to meet Iranian officials to discuss what can be shown on Farsi 1. Another victim of Iranian censorship on information is the online encyclopaedia, Wikipedia Persian. Last week, it was added to the ever growing list of banned web sites. Ribal al Assad, a London-based activist who campaigns for greater freedoms in the Middle East, says: “By restricting basic freedoms such as expression and education, the government of Iran is only adding to its troubles. In this day and age it is a disgrace that any government, anywhere in the world, should seek to control what people think and what they learn.” ENDS For interviews or further information contact Christian May on 02030088147 or 07876708262. Email Christian.may@media-intelligence-partners.com