Iran arrests several journalists over links to BBC Farsi service

Iran Herald (ANI) Tuesday 7th February, 2012

Iranian authorities have reportedly arrested several people over alleged links to the British Broadcasting Corporation's Farsi-language service.

A report in the Iranian state-media said the individuals had done reporting for the BBC and helped the corporation train Iranian journalists.

The report, however, did not name the people detained nor revealed how many had been arrested.

According to The Telegraph, the report quoted an unnamed official, as saying the group had been active in Iran since 2009.

The BBC said in a statement that the report "should be of deep concern to all those who believe in a free and independent media" but added it had "no BBC Persian staff members or stringers working inside Iran."

Iran has accused the BBC of operating as a cover for British intelligence and of hosting Iranian dissidents.

Last week the BBC accused Iran of intimidating staff members of its Persian service by slandering them and arresting relatives. (ANI)