Iran debates end of confession broadcasts
An outspoken Iranian lawmaker is pushing legislation that would abolish the state broadcaster's controversial tradition of airing forced confessions.
![IRAN-BRITAIN/ A frame grab from Iranian TV shows three of 15 captured British sailors and marines speaking on Iranian television March 30, 2007. Iranian television broadcast the footage of the three on Friday and said one had confessed to entering Iranian waters illegally and had apologised to the Iranian people. REUTERS/Al Alam Television (IRAN) IRAN OUT - GM1DUXVBCMAA](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2019/11/RTR1O3PB.jpg/RTR1O3PB.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=kfvYGtRK)
In the past four decades, Iran's intelligence organizations and the like-minded state broadcaster have aired many "confessions" by individuals detained over "security" charges. One outspoken lawmaker is now pushing legislation that could abolish the controversial practice.
The proposed legislation on the "prohibition of recording and airing of detainee confessions from the state broadcaster" was officially taken up by the Iranian parliament Nov. 4.