Iran's intelligence forces arrest local BBC reporter

Iranian intelligence forces arrested an individual who had been working secretly for British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Persian TV channel, the local Mehr news agency reported Sunday. Hassan Fathi, the man who had been cooperating as a reporter with the BBC for a long time, has been arrested on charges of spreading lies about the Islamic Republic and making attempts to manipulate Iranian public opinion. In September, Iran said that six Iranian nationals, including a woman, were arrested for working for the BBC's Farsi-language service and distributing photos, videos and information to reflect negative image of Iran. The BBC launched on Jan. 14 the Persian TV channel, which provides services eight hours a day, seven days a week, in Farsi language in peak viewing time of Iran and Afghanistan from London. According to media observers, most of the Iranians from different ethnic groups, either Persian or others, have access to satellite dishes country-wide and are following global events through diverse domestic and foreign satellite channels. Iran's intelligence ministry has warned Iranians not to work with the BBC, saying that those who are thinking about cooperation with the BBC should be careful not to fall into the trap of this anti-Iranian institution.