Bloggers working with pro-reform media will go on trial in Iran next week accused of spreading propaganda against the Islamic state.
At least nine bloggers have been detained by the hardline judiciary since September, newspapers and judiciary officials have said.
The number of internet users in Iran has soared from 250,000 to 4.8 million in the past four years, and there are as many as 100,000 blogs in operation.
As part of its crackdown the Government has blocked hundreds of political sites and weblogs. Three pro-democracy websites that support President Mohammad Khatami were blocked in August.
The bloggers will face charges of “propagating against the regime, acting against national security, disturbing public opinion and insulting religious sanctities,” the Etemad daily said last week.
Reports indicate that they are being held in solitary confinement and have not been allowed to meet their lawyers or families. (sources: Reuters/ Sydney Morning Herald)
