11 journalists arrested in Iran over ‘foreign contracts’January 28, 2013 - 11:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Authorities in Iran have arrested 11 journalists accused of cooperation with foreign-based, Persian-language media organizations, The Associated Press reports. The development is a major escalation in a press crackdown that shows Iran's zero tolerance for those who work with dissident media or outlets deemed as unfriendly. The chief editors of the arrested journalists told the AP on Monday, Jan 28, that the 11 were taken into custody late on Sunday because of their "foreign contacts." They are from six different news organizations, including four daily papers, a weekly and the semi-official ILNA news agency. Iran has in recent years denounced Voice of America and the BBC's Persian service, describing them as arms of U.S. and British intelligence agencies, and has warned of severe repercussions for journalists and activists caught having contacts with these outlets. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenian, Iranian foreigh policy chief talk over the phone The Foreign Minister of Armenia once again expressed condolences to his counterpart on the death of the President of Iran. Armenia, U.S. customs authorities to boost assistance with new deal The government has approved an agreement with the U.S. government on mutual assistance between the customs authorities. Armenian government besieged by protesters Protesters led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan poured into Yerevan’s Republic Square to try to surround the seat of Armenia’s government. Armenia, Russia agree on repairing railway destroyed in floods Yerevan and Moscow have agreed to repair a flood-stricken railway in northern Armenia. |