A spokesman for Iran’s judiciary says former president Mohammad Khatami has been banned from appearing in the media.
Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei told a press conference today: “The media is not allowed to reflect the image or statement of the head of the reformist government,” referring to Mohammad Khatami.
He maintained that the order was issued a while ago and remains in effect, and any violation of it by any media outlet will be dealt with as an offence.
The ban on Mohammad Khatami’s appearance in the media has been referred to in the past by certain political figures without any official confirmation of it; this is the first time a judicial figure has stated it.
Last July, Mohammad Khatami referred to a statement from MP Karimi Ghodosi that Khatami is banned from travelling abroad, appearing in the media or making any statements to the media; Khatami noted at the time that he had not been issued any order by the Supreme Council of National Security banning him from talking to the media.
Mohammad Khatami’s link to the election protests of 2009 caused a deep rift between him and the Islamic Republic right.
espite the apparent judicial order against him, Khatami appears to have been instrumental in Hassan Rohani’s victory in the last presidential election, and Rohani’s victory speech reflected a deep appreciation for Khatami’s support.
