Source: Christian Science Monitor
by staff
“In June, facing a military defeat, the leaders of Iran muted their rhetoric and agreed to a truce with Israel, ending the ’12-day war.’ A month later, a government largely controlled by ruling Muslim clerics has signaled another kind of truce – this time with its own people, and within a period of just 10 days. On July 20, President Masoud Pezeshkian’s Cabinet sought to fast-track a sweeping internet censorship bill. Parliament passed it July 27. But, following public backlash, Mr. Pezeshkian abruptly withdrew it three days later. The bill was ‘not designed to fight lies, but rather to eliminate independent narratives, restrict freedom of expression,’ and target critics, wrote formerly jailed journalist Alireza Rajaei. The rapid about-face signals that the government is learning to acknowledge the power of popular sentiment. And what popular sentiment wants is freedom of expression: the ability to access and share information and viewpoints in real time.” (08/04/25)
https://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2025/0804/A-truce-over-free-speech-in-Iran