Reformist newspapers in Iran

Teheran's courts crossed the red line with the closure of two more reformist newspapers, including 'Mosharekat,' headed by President Mohammed Khatami's brother Mohammed Reza.

The number of dailies and periodicals shut down by conservative-dominated judiciary in less than a week is now up to 16. What's next?

Reports indicate that the reformists are likely to repeat their landslide victory of two months ago, but no one can predict how high tension will rise in the next few days.

We have rarely had chances to meet personally our Iranian colleagues, but we know of their untiring efforts to keep going and of the courage of many of them, who responded to the closure of their publications by opening new ones, sometimes from basements and makeshift offices with barely a telephone line.

Supporting all Iranian journalists who saw their rights denied, their profession humiliated, and their freedom curbed, is our duty and right.

Furthermore, we live in the same neighborhood, and no Middle East country can afford to ignore what happens in Iran.

-- The Jordan Times, Amman, Jordan