Another Iranian journalist arrested

The authorities in Iran have arrested a leading independent journalist in the latest blow against the pro-reform media.

Masud Behnud, who mainly writes for reformist publications, was taken to Evin prison in Teheran on Wednesday morning.

It's reported that he faces up to eighty-five complaints lodged against him in the Press court, mainly by state prosecutors and the hardline group, Ansar Hezbollah, which is accusing him of publishing lies.

The move comes just one day after the last major pro-reform newspaper, Bahar, was closed down.

It follows the order by Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, to block attempts by reformers in parliament to ease restrictions on the press. Correspondents say reformists MPs have drafted a letter reaffirming their commitment to change, and they say they will present it in parliament.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service