By Sandra Kenneth
Iranian authorities have banned the popular YouTube debate show Azad and launched an investigation into its creator, citing the spread of “false information” and operating without required state authorization, official sources reported Monday.
Iran’s judiciary news outlet, Mizan Online, confirmed that a supervision order was issued prohibiting the show’s founder and presenter, Mehdi Ahmadi, from conducting any media activity until an official license is secured from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. Mizan described Azad as an “unauthorized media outlet” that committed multiple regulatory violations.
Ahmadi was interrogated by authorities on Sunday and Monday before being released on bail. Writing on the platform X, Ahmadi confirmed the charges and the court-ordered suspension:
“I, Mehdi Ahmadi, director and presenter of the Azad interviews, have been charged with disseminating false information and have been referred to the prosecutor’s office… In accordance with the court’s decision, I was released on bail, but the Azad channel is prohibited from broadcasting any interviews until further notice.”
Launched in August 2017, the Azad YouTube channel has amassed nearly 160,000 subscribers, hosting debates on topics such as the economy, philosophy, social issues, and sexual violence.
The show frequently featured voices across Iran’s political spectrum, including overseas opposition figures critical of the Islamic Republic’s policies.
