Islamunist Iran: Citizens banned from contact with foreign groups

Teheran, 5 Jan. (AKI) - Iran has banned its citizens from having any contact with 62 institutions and media outlets due to their involvement in the country's recent unrest, local media reported on Tuesday. The information ministry has drawn up a 'blacklist' of 62 foreign organisations it claims are trying to destabilise the government.

The British Broadcasting Corporation, Voice of America, and the The Soros Foundation included in the list.

The ministry claimed the 62 organisations were financed by western powers including the United States, Great Britain and Israel with the aim of overthrowing the Iranian government.

It has prohibited all commercial, professional and personal dealings with the blacklisted organisations.

Apart from foreign-based media groups and companies , these include human rights groups and charitable foundations.

Iranian opposition websites Rahesabz, Radiozamaneh and Radiofardradio stations as well as ChannelOne and Parstv satellite TV channels are also among the blacklisted groups.

Iran's deputy intelligence minister was quoted telling state English language Press TV that the groups were involved in a "soft war" against the state.

The minister was quoted as warning Iranian citizens to avoid "any unusual relations" with foreign embassies and nationals.