TEHRAN A legal expert in an interview with the Central News Bureau (CNB) said on Sunday that instead of a Press Law we need a Media Law which can include Internet sites of the news agencies as well as radio and television organization.
Mohsen Esmaili, university professor, said the text of the Press Law is the most controversial text which has been approved or amended in the country.
He added, "While not even a century is left since the establishment of the legislature in our country the Press Law has completely changed for six time during this period, beside amendments and corrections to the law. However, these developments are expected with regards to importance of the press.
Referring to the Press Bill of the Majlis, Esmaili called it a response to the decision of Fifth Majlis. "Therefore, since it is prepared hastily, not only does not it help the reporters but also will add more to the law's ambiguities.
On the issue of interpreting and criticizing the Constitution, Esmaili said no country allows its press to write articles against the Constitution of the country. He added that if Majlis had limited amendment to interpretation of the articles which are not unchangeable, it was acceptable. "But," he said, "surprisingly no country allows publishing articles against its constitution." He voiced support for the Leader's decree and said that the Leader of the Islamic Revolution prevented a huge tension.
He also thanked MPs for their compliance.
The Iranian Parliament was due to review an amendment bill to the Press Law in the Sunday's open session of the Majlis. Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a letter to the Parliament's Presiding Board commented that the amendment could be in favor of the enemies of the country. Following the decree, the presiding board decided not to review the bill despite opposition of a number of MPs.