Reformist Iranian Daily Shut Down, Editor Arrested

"Aseman," a former weekly magazine, had been published in its current form for only six issues.

Iranian authorities have banned a newly-launched reformist daily and arrested its managing editor over an article in which the Islamic law of retribution was described as inhumane.

A court in Tehran said the daily "Aseman" ("Sky") had violated Islamic principles and insulted religious sanctities.

"Aseman," a former weekly magazine, had been published in its current form for only six issues.

The managing editor of the daily, Abbas Bozorgmehr, was summoned to court and later transferred to Tehran's Evin prison.

In past years, Iran's judiciary has shut down dozens of reformist publications and jailed journalists and editors.

Based on reporting by ISNA, Fars, IRNA, and AFP