November 15, 2009 12:04 PM

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Iranian Police set up Spl Unit to monitor political websites

Iranian police have set up a special unit to monitor political websites and fight internet crime. The head of the unit, Col Mehrdad Omidi, said it would target political "insults and the spreading of lies". <br/> <br/>Most opposition websites are already banned, especially those linked to the defeated presidential candidates from Iran's disputed June elections. But activists continue to set up new websites to keep their campaign alive, as they have no access to state media.<br/> <br/>Iranian experts say, the deployment of the new unit is aimed at choking off the opposition campaign. Iranian authorities launched a massive crackdown following the disputed 12 June election, which opposition supporters say was rigged to ensure the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. <br/> <br/>At least 30 protesters have been killed, thousands have been arrested and some 200 opposition activists remain behind bars. Three have so far been sentenced to death.<br/>

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