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Iran’s parliament presents ‘Islamic wiretapping’ bill

A new bill has been presented in parliament that would create more guidelines on wiretapping.

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.
Lawmakers attend a parliament session in Tehran January 29, 2012. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi  (IRAN - Tags: POLITICS) - RTR2X0YQ
Lawmakers attend a parliament session in Tehran, Jan. 29, 2012. — REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi

After accusations of wiretapping of parliamentary officials, a new bill that sets guidelines and oversight on wiretapping has been presented by Iran’s parliament. The bill is being hailed as promoting “Islamic wiretapping.”

Member of parliament Saeed Haydar-Teyeb told the parliament's leadership that the new bill has been put together “so the security apparatus is not infected with sin.” He added that all aspects of wiretapping “will be monitored by members of parliament.”

According to the Reformist newspaper Shargh, Haydar-Teyeb said that wiretapping would then conform to Islamic standards. The other members of parliament who support this bill said that the bill “would be in line with citizen’s rights and based on jurisprudence and Shariah.” They added, “It is necessary in order to protect the sanctity and dignity of people.” 

The bill would require that one member of parliament be present as part of the wiretapping committees in the provinces. The bill also recommends that each wiretapping team have a member of the judiciary, one member of parliament, two experts from a provincial security council and would have the “review and the responsibility of a final vote by a judge.”

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