TEHRAN, Iran — Iran shut down a reformist newspaper over an article that allegedly undermined Islamic values.
State TV reported Monday that Iran’s media supervisory body banned the daily Bahar, citing a law authorizing media closures over articles deemed to violate Islamic values or insult Islam.
Bahar published an op-ed article on Wednesday that expressed doubts the Prophet Muhammad had appointed a successor — a statement that contradicts the beliefs of Shiite Muslims.
Shiite Muslims believe Muhammad designated Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib, his son-in-law, as the leader of the Islamic society.
Last week, Bahar’s chief editors temporarily shut the publication down for two weeks, possibly in an effort to avoid the ban.
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Since 2000, Iran’s judiciary has shut down more than 120 pro-reform newspapers and jailed dozens of editors and writers.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
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