Middle East News
Police clamp down on satellite TV users ahead of election
Feb 18, 2012, 9:48 GMT
Tehran - Police in Iran on Saturday forcefully removed satellite television dishes in northern Tehran, as part of what is seen as an ongoing clampdown on illegal broadcasters ahead of elections.
'Police came, broke the door to the roof and removed all satellite dishes and all other relevant equipments,' said a housekeeper in the district of Shemiran said.
The main target of the clampdown appears to be Persian news programmes from abroad which authorities accuse of broadcasting 'anti-revolutionary programmes.'
Iran is to hold parliamentary elections on March 2.
Parliament banned the use of satellite equipment some 16 years ago. However, many Iranians still subscribe and camouflage satellite dishes as air conditioners on rooftops.
Police in Tehran have repeatedly warned that reception of satellite programmes was a 'clear legal offence' and advised the capital's residents to dismantle equipment.
Critics of the ban say the forceful effort to block access to information and entertainment is futile.
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