Fact Check: Babak Kamiar, the head of Euronews' Persian desk, stated that the IRGC's warning will force local media in Iran into silence and that the maximum punishment indicated is 'the death penalty for sure'.

Fact Check: "Babak Kamiar, the head of Euronews' Persian desk, stated that the IRGC's warning will force local media in Iran into silence and that the maximum punishment indicated is 'the death penalty for sure'."

What We Know

The claim centers around a statement attributed to Babak Kamiar, the head of Euronews' Persian desk, regarding warnings issued by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran. According to reports, the IRGC has threatened severe consequences for local media that disseminate information deemed harmful to the regime, particularly any information perceived as benefiting Israel. This includes the possibility of the death penalty for those who violate these warnings (Euronews, MSN).

The IRGC's statement reflects a broader trend of increasing repression of media in Iran, where journalists often face dire consequences for reporting on sensitive topics. Reports indicate that the Iranian government has been known to impose harsh penalties on dissenters, including journalists (Euronews).

Analysis

While the claim about Babak Kamiar's statement aligns with the context of the IRGC's recent warnings, it is essential to assess the reliability of the sources reporting this information. The primary sources, including Euronews, provide a credible account of the IRGC's threats and the implications for local media. Euronews is known for its international coverage and generally maintains a reputation for journalistic integrity. However, the specific quote attributed to Kamiar has not been independently verified through multiple sources, which raises questions about its authenticity.

Moreover, the context of the IRGC's threats is critical. The Iranian regime has a history of using intimidation tactics to silence dissent, and the potential for the death penalty is not unprecedented in cases involving perceived threats to national security or regime stability (Euronews). However, without direct evidence or a verbatim quote from Kamiar, the assertion that he explicitly stated the death penalty is "for sure" remains unverified.

Conclusion

Verdict: Needs Research
The claim requires further investigation to confirm the exact wording and context of Babak Kamiar's statement. While the IRGC's threats against media are well-documented, the specific assertion regarding the death penalty and Kamiar's comments lack sufficient independent verification. More reliable sources or direct quotes are needed to substantiate this claim fully.

Sources

1. Babak Khorramdin - Wikipedia
2. Babak Khorramdin (elokuvaohjaaja) – Wikipedia
3. Babak - Wikipedia
4. Babak Khorramdin Revolt - Wikipedia
5. Babak Fort - Wikipedia
6. Babak (given name) - Wikipedia
7. Iranian regime muzzles media with grim death penalty warning
8. Iranian regime muzzles media with grim death penalty warning