Iran debates end of confession broadcasts

An outspoken Iranian lawmaker is pushing legislation that would abolish the state broadcaster's controversial tradition of airing forced confessions.
A frame grab from Iranian TV shows three of 15 captured British sailors and marines speaking on Iranian television March 30, 2007. Iranian television broadcast the footage of the three on Friday and said one had confessed to entering Iranian waters illegally and had apologised to the Iranian people. REUTERS/Al Alam Television (IRAN) IRAN OUT - GM1DUXVBCMAA
A screenshot from Iranian state TV shows three of 15 captured British sailors and marines, one of which allegedly confessed to entering Iranian waters illegally and apologized to the Iranian people, March 30, 2007. - REUTERS/Al Alam Television
SarbasNazari.jpg
Sarbas Nazari
@sarbas1982

In the past four decades, Iran's intelligence organizations and the like-minded state broadcaster have aired many "confessions" by individuals detained over "security" charges. One outspoken lawmaker is now pushing legislation that could abolish the controversial practice.

The proposed legislation on the "prohibition of recording and airing of detainee confessions from the state broadcaster" was officially taken up by the Iranian parliament Nov. 4.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.

Videos

See more