  Iran arrests several people allegedly working for BBC February 7, 2012 - 09:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian security services arrested several people, who allegedly worked in Iran for the British Broadcasting Corporation’s Persian-language service, RIA Novosti reported, citing Iran’s state-run Mehr news agency. The agency did not specify the number of arrested people saying only that they were collecting news and information in Iran for BBC and “received huge amount of money from the [British] company.” The BBC said in a statement that there are “no BBC Persian staff members or stringers working inside Iran.” Last September, Iran’s state television reported that a group of six filmmakers were arrested in the country on similar charges. Two of them were later released. BBC work is blocked in Iran after Tehran accused the British corporation of inciting antigovernment protests in the country following the 2009 presidential election, which saw a confident victory of incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals  Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation.Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush.Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year.Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |
