Mai Sato, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran, has expressed support for the UN Fact-Finding Mission’s call for the withdrawal of the proposed “Countering Foreign Influence” bill, warning that Iranians’ engagement with the outside world must not be placed under the control of intelligence agencies.
In a post on the social media platform X, Sato wrote: “I also support the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran’s call for the withdrawal of the ‘Countering Foreign Influence Bill.’”
Referring to the “Law on Increasing Penalties for Espionage and Cooperation with the Zionist Regime and Hostile Countries Against National Security and Interests,” which was passed last year, she said the legislation had already criminalised contact with foreign media, the sharing of information, and the use of satellite communication equipment, with penalties of up to the death sentence предусмотрed for some offences.
According to the UN Special Rapporteur, the law has been used to bring charges carrying the potential death penalty in connection with “peaceful expression of opinion.”
Under the same legislation, the assets of hundreds of people, including journalists and activists living outside Iran, have also reportedly been frozen or confiscated.
Sato warned that the new bill would take this process “one step further.” Under the proposed legislation, publishing material, conducting research, engaging in artistic activities, participating in educational courses, and conducting business with individuals or organisations outside Iran would have to be registered in a designated system and, in many cases, receive prior approval. The regulations governing these activities would be determined by intelligence agencies.
She stressed: “Iranians’ contact with the outside world must not be controlled by intelligence agencies.”
Her remarks came after the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran called on the Islamic Republic to withdraw the “Countering Foreign Influence” bill.
The Fact-Finding Mission has warned that under the proposed legislation, journalists, academics, and activists could face penalties of up to 30 years in prison merely for maintaining contact with foreign individuals or organisations.
According to a statement from the UN Human Rights Office, publishing books and articles, engaging in academic cooperation, communicating with foreign media, participating in educational courses and conferences, undertaking artistic activities, and even certain commercial and financial activities involving entities outside Iran could become subject to mandatory registration or approval requirements.
Sara Hossain, Chair of the Fact-Finding Mission, described the bill as an attempt to “broadly criminalise” Iranians’ everyday interactions with the outside world.
The Fact-Finding Mission has also warned that passage of the bill could further restrict freedom of expression, access to information, freedom of association, education, employment, and participation in cultural life.
