Iran Parliament approves penalties for foreign influence

The Iranian Parliament has approved Article 17 of a new bill designed to counter foreign influence. The measure passed with 161 votes in favor, 30 against, and 6 abstentions during a virtual session.

Under Article 17, individuals found to be acting under the guidance, supervision, or support of foreign entities or agents are subject to criminal penalties if they provide false, incomplete, or misleading information. This applies to policy, legislative, or executive recommendations that harm Iran’s territorial integrity, security, independence, economy, culture, or national unity. The law also covers actions that damage public revenue, state property, or public trust, including efforts to manipulate election participation or voter direction.

Penalties for such offenses range from four to two years of imprisonment plus compensation for damages. However, if the consequences of the actions are deemed irreparable and no harsher penalty is prescribed by other laws, the perpetrator faces between one and thirty years of imprisonment. The Ministry of Intelligence and the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are designated as the authorities responsible for providing evidence and documentation regarding these connections to judicial authorities.