Azerbaijan, Baku, April 7 / Trend , corr. D.Khatinoglu /
Improvement in the situation with regard to freedom of speech and establishment of private television channels in Iran will serve the creation of public dialogue in the country. However, the realization of this is improbable under the current conditions.
During his first press conference on March 6, noting article 44 on privatization of the Constitution, presidential candidate, former prime minister Mir Hussein Musavi promised in his pre-election platform to create private television channels and create conditions for freedom of speech within the law.
The reports of the human rights activists over the last four years highlight an increase in the limitations on freedom of speech in Iran.
The supporters of the independent media outlets and human rights say that removing limitations on the press can create conditions for beginning constructive dialogue between people and government of Iran.
"It is encouraging that some Iranian candidates are talking about the need for change. Most Iranians would benefit through the public dialogue",said Timothy Spencer, member of the International Press Institute in Austria, told Trend .
According to the report by the Reporters Without Borders, activity of more than 200 media outlets was stopped, 200 journalists were arrested and five million Internet sites were closed by the government in Iran over the last four years (in the period of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's presidency).
Experts say that freedom of speech and establishment of private television channels is connected not with the legislation, but with government's policy.
The Secretary General of the Fund for Journalists of Iran, Ali Mezrui, considers that presently the situation with press and freedom of speech does not gladden in Iran.
"This question has no relation to the Constitution or law, but completely depends on Council for Control on Press and Government," Mezrui told Trend in a telephone conversation from Teheran on April 7.
With regards to establishment of private television channels, he said that the article 44 stipulates privatization of economic projects, but if to make changes or additions to this article, it is possible to create possibility also for the privatization of television channels.
Additions and changes to the Constitution of Iran are approved by the Supreme Religious Leader and Advisory Council.
Human rights activists consider that under the present conditions, possibilities are little to attain freedom of speech.
Spencer considers that all Iranians stand to gain through the public dialogue that would result if there were greater press freedom and open airwaves, "something denied to them under the current rulers".
The former Prime Minister also promised to remove shortages at the state agencies and create free information system, if he wins the elections.
Musavi added that he considers realization of freedoms, stipulated in the Constitution, necessary for the future state. "Freedom of speech and press must be ensured within the Constitution," Musavi added.
Head of Iranian bureau of Reporters Without Borders, Reza Moini, told Trend that Musevi must also completely explain how he will realize his promise ensuring freedom of press. "Will changes be made to the legislation on media outlets, will the articles, which contradict international laws on freedom of speech, be removed from it?," he said.
According to the 2008 report of the International Press Institute, the pressure on press grew in Iran under the pretext of "national security". "The condemned journalists, writers, especially the citizens of Kurdish and Azerbaijani origin, are accused of breaking "national security, provocations against government," the report says.
Moini set an example from writer Omidreza Mirsayyafi, who died in prison last week, and noted that neither Musevi nor other candidates reacted to this.
With regards to private television channels and press, member of Reporters Without Borders said that even if privatization is realized, it is unknown whether this will be realized in accordance with article 19 of International Convention on Human Rights or in accordance with the desire of the government itself.
D.Ibrahimova and T.Jafarov contributed to article.
Do you have feedback? Contact our journalist at: [email protected]
