UN urges Iran to stop jamming satellite broadcasts

Following official complaints made by France representing satellite provider Eutelsat, the UN telecommunications agency urged Iran to stop jamming international satellite broadcasts.

Iranian government has been jamming satellite transmissions in the past months making it difficult for Iranian citizens to access Persian language networks such as BBC Persian, Voice of America, Radio Farda and Radio Zamaneh.

Sanjay Acharya, spokesman for International Telecommunications Union told a news briefing: "In this case there is evidence that there is a deliberate attempt to block the satellite transmissions and so they are saying this should be stopped. This is prohibited under the regulations."

ITU has called on Iran to find the source of these interferences and give its elimination the highest priority.

Sanjay Acharya added that ITU is not able to put any sanctions into effect against Iran prior to its global congress which will take place in two years; however, they intend to “increase pressures on Iran.”

European Union foreign minister also announced that they will take action against Iran’s “unacceptable" interference in satellite broadcasts and control of the internet.

EU maintains that since February 11 over 70 radio and television stations broadcasting for Iran through Eutelsat have been experiencing interference.

They also maintain that text messages of Iranian citizens are being secretly intercepted and read by Iranian authorities.

Iranians have expressed concern over the possible adverse health effects for citizens that may result from transmitting these satellite interferences.