Nov. 17 – Inflation in Iran soared to a two year high in October, according to the latest figures released by the Central Bank of Iran.
The inflation rate hit 55 percent last month, according to a report by economic news outlet EcoIran, a figure disputed by the central bank, which placed the rate at 45 percent.
The rise in inflation has been criticized by academics and bankers in Iran, who blame the government’s failed fiscal policies for the country’s economic woes.
Manoto, a London-based news network which had become increasingly critical of Iran’s regime, announced that it would be closing its operations in Iran due to financial concerns.
Several of Iran’s state-funded media outlets reacted to the news. The hardline Kayhan newspaper, not to be confused with the liberal online newspaper Kayhan Life in London, claimed that the channel had been funded by Israel and that the war in Gaza had diverted support away from the outlet.
Tasnim news agency, another state-affiliated outlet, claimed Manoto had been funded by the US. Other agencies accused the outlet of being supported by the UK and Iran’s former royal family.
And Iran’s regime released the imprisoned human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh on Wednesday, following her arrest at the funeral of 17-year-old Armita Geravand, who was allegedly beaten to death by police for failing to wear her hijab.
A photo posted on X by Sotoudeh’s husband on Thursday showed the lawyer standing next to several men in public, without a headscarf.
Sotoudeh has received several awards for her social justice campaigns and was the subject of a critically acclaimed documentary about her life.
