With violence continuing to rock Iran, authorities have imposed a series of tough new restrictions on foreign media in an effort to block outside coverage.

Iran’s Ministry of Culture says journalists now require explicit permission before leaving their offices to cover any story. The measures have resulted in a widespread loss of coverage with many journalists unable to send back live footage. Many news channels have resorted to the telephone to get their stories back home. The regime has also stopped foreign reporters covering any demonstration. Many in the media are also being forced to leave Iran as the authorities refuse to renew visas. Unable to film their own images, many journalists are using those taken by eyewitnesses. One correspondent for Italian channel Rai 3 said: ‘‘We have a video that we were given from students who were in Azadi square yesterday. The video shows the moment where forces fire on the crowd, resulting in the first death.’‘More about: Iran, Media

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