Iran moves to silence opposition with internet crime unit

    Add new comment

    Date: 
    20 November 2009

    Iran has moved to block the last remaining outlet of expression for the country's political opposition with the launch of a special force to police the internet.

    A 12-member team reporting to the chief prosecutor will scour websites with a view to pressing charges against those judged to be "spreading lies" and "insults" against the Islamic system. Members will include police and personnel from other, unspecified, parts of Iran's security apparatus.

    The move is seen as partly targeting Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, the two defeated reformist candidates in June's disputed presidential election, as well as political activists.