Mass Media

Article 17549: Freedom of expression and dissemination of ideas must be granted through the mass media of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with due observance of Islamic criteria and the welfare of the country.

The leader appoints and removes the head of the mass media of the Islamic Republic of Iran. A council consisting of representatives of the President of the Republic, the head of the judiciary, and the Islamic Consultative Assembly (two persons from each), will supervise this organization. The law determines the agenda, administrative construct, and supervision of this organization.

Chapter Thirteen: Supreme Council of National Security

Article 176: In order to protect national welfare, safeguard the Islamic Republic, and territorial integrity and national sovereignty, the Supreme Council of National Security is established under the leadership of the President of the Republic. Its duties are as follows:

1. determining the defense and security policies of the country within the boundaries defined by the leadership;
2. coordinating political, social, informational, cultural, and economical activities in relation to general defense and security concerns;
3. benefiting from the country’s material and spiritual resources in confronting domestic and foreign threats. Members of the council consist of the following: . the heads of the three powers; . the commander-in-chief of the armed forces;

48 Article 174 (1979 Edition): On the basis of the right of the judiciary to supervise the appropriate proceedings of the affairs and the correct enforcement of the law in the administrative organizations, an institution named the National General Inspectorate will be established under the supervision of the Supreme Judiciary Council. The law determines this organization’s domain of authority and its responsibilities.

49 Article 175 (1979 Edition): In the mass media (radio and television), freedom of press and advertisement must be granted in accordance with the Islamic criteria. The media is administered under the joint supervision of the three powers: the judiciary (the Supreme Judicial Council), legislature, and executive. The law determines how this is to take place. 37 . the administrative officer of the budget and programming; . two representatives elected by the leadership; . the ministers of state, foreign affairs, and intelligence; . the highest designated minister and the highest authority of the army and the Islamic Pasdaran Revolutionary Guards; The Supreme Council of National Security, in respect to its duties, establishes sub-councils such as the defense council and the national security council. The President of the Republic or one of the members of the Supreme Council, who is appointed by the President of the Republic, is the president of each of the sub-committees. The constitution determines the range of authority and responsibilities of the sub- committees and the Supreme Council approves their formation. The legislation of the Supreme Council of National Security can be executed after the approval of the leadership.