Iran arrests several on links to BBC Farsi service
TEHRAN - The Associated Press
Hürriyet photo
Iran's semiofficial Mehr news agency says authorities have arrested several people over alleged links to the British Broadcasting Corporation's Farsi-language service.The Monday report said they produced content and reported to the BBC. It said they facilitated training and hiring of some Iranian journalists and arranged trips abroad for them.
It quoted an unnamed official as saying they were active since 2009. It did not name them or say how many were arrested.
In October, Iran released two filmmakers who were in jail on similar charges.
Tehran has accused the BBC of operating as a cover for British intelligence and of hosting Iranian dissidents.
Last week the BBC accused Iran of intimidating staff members of its Persian service by slandering them and arresting relatives.
