Thursday, June 28, 2007

Iran bans negative petrol stories

BBC

Iran's top security body has ordered local journalists not to report on problems caused by petrol rationing, a day after its surprise introduction.

Angry motorists have reacted violently to the curbs, attacking up to 19 petrol stations in the capital, Tehran.

There are still long queues outside filling stations.

The authorities switched off the mobile text messaging system in Tehran overnight to prevent motorists from organising more protests.

The BBC's Frances Harrison in Tehran said that many Iranians are already on edge because of a recent sharp rise in the cost of living.

During Wednesday's unrest, motorists threw stones and shouted slogans against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Despite the ban on negative reporting by Iran's security council, reformist papers are still complained about the abrupt way in which it was announced, saying even the police chief and the petrol station owners were not aware of the move.....

No comments:

Post a Comment