Press Release - Iran: ARTICLE 19 Launches Azad Tribune – an Online Platform to Encourage Free Expression

On International Human Rights Day, ARTICLE 19 today launches an
interactive website to encourage networking among bloggers, journalists and
activists in Iran.

Azad Tribune will host articles from writers based in and outside Iran. It will also
provide a platform for debate about freedom of expression and will provide
information and other resources that will support civil society campaigning against
censorship in that country.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the most repressive countries in the world, with
tight restrictions on all forms of mass communication, including the print and
broadcast media, the publishing sector, the internet, and mobile and fixed line
telephone networks.

This stifling trend has worsened since the mass citizen protests that escalated
following the presidential elections in June this year. Although the Government
downplays the means it employs to curtail dissent, with official figures of 2,500
people arrested and up to 30 killed during this period, independent organisations
believe the numbers are far greater.

The Government views any expression of dissent or nonconformist views as
opposition to be met with tighter bans on foreign press, restrictions on internet access
and a clampdown on any attempt at peaceful protest. On 7 December 2009,
widespread protests marking National Student Day signified a continued momentum
of the post-election outrage. However, in the week before, the number of arbitrary
arrests and detentions grew.

Journalists, activists and bloggers face unfair trials, torture and lengthy prison
sentences for criminal offences such as mutiny and disruption of public order.
Among those imprisoned this month, two prominent journalists, Hengameh Shahidi
and Saeed Laylaz, were sentenced to six and nine years’ imprisonment respectively.
A number of publications have been closed, with Hayat-e No, a Tehran-based daily
newspaper, affiliated with Hadi Khamenei, a younger brother of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s
Supreme Leader, among the most recent.

A new web crime task force has also recently been established to reinforce internet
censorship and fight cyber crime. This unit has reportedly raided homes, confiscated
computers, tracked and blocked websites, and arrested bloggers who may be
attempting to raise critical views.

In this climate, ARTICLE 19 extends its support to all sectors of Iranian society,
particularly the vibrant blogging community, with the aim of protecting space for
freedom of expression and combating censorship.

Azad Tribune goes live today and can be found at www.azadtribune.org in English
and Farsi.

“The Iranian government has been unable to hide its repressive activities, thanks to
the courageous men and women who have recorded, taped, written and reported on
violations via the internet and other channels,” says Dr Agnès Callamard, ARTICLE
19 Executive Director. “Azad Tribune will contribute to this expanding and crucial
movement by providing them with tools against censorship. This will be an
interactive platform for the people of Iran living in and outside the country, and will
reach out to bloggers, activists, journalists and human rights defenders who want to
protect and promote free speech and open debate.

“Over the next weeks and months, further resources and articles will be added to the
site and ARTICLE 19 welcomes online contributions from all Iranians concerned
about free speech and extends this invitation to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to
engage in open dialogue with those from all sides of the debate.”