Iran's plans to ease censorship

Reports from Iran say the government is considering new legislation to ease censorship of books and possibly the theatre.

The culture minister, Ataollah Mohajerani, was quoted in a Teheran newspaper 'Bahar' as saying that a draft law on removing censorship prior to publication was being prepared for parliament's consideration.

Correspondents say that while writers welcome the move, they are concerned that publishers may impose self-censorship for fear of angering the conservative dominated judiciary. The reformist press in Iran has come under repeated attack from conservatives who are opposed to the plans by President Khatami to introduce greater freedom of expression. Restrictions on the theatre may also be relaxed: new measures are being considered separately.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service