A professor of sociology at Concordia University in Montréal specializing in Iranian issues provided the following information on the above subject during a telephone interview on 10 October 1995.

The purchase of a fax machine requires the permission of a few government organizations. The professor was unable to specify these organizations, but stated that the Ministry of Islamic Guidance issues the final approval. This permission is mandatory for all prospective purchasers, i.e., government organizations, private businesses and individuals. While it is "very difficult" for individuals to receive permission, it is much easier for government organizations and private businesses to receive it.

According to the Iranian government, the procedure is in place only because the use of fax machines requires special types of telephone lines. However, the real reason, according to the professor, lies in the government's intention to identify and control fax owners.

Although there may be a law that requires the fax buyer to present proof of the government permission at the time of purchase, anyone can purchase a fax machine without presenting such proof. In practice, it is not possible to control the purchase and sale of fax machines. For example, many fax machines are brought into Iran by individuals who purchase them from neighbouring countries. The professor was personally aware of the purchase of a few fax machines by individuals who did not have government permission.

The professor was unaware whether there exist specific laws or policies regarding fax transmissions. However, as far as the source was aware, transmission of faxes with anti-regime and anti-religious themes must be illegal. According to the professor, businesses are required to inform the law enforcement authorities if they receive anti-government faxes. The professor was personally aware of a few private companies that had received such faxes sent to them from abroad by supporters of an anti-regime group and had immediately advised the local Kommittee to comply with that requirement.

In a telephone interview on 12 October 1995, a representative of Middle East Watch in New York provided the following information.

To the best of the representative's knowledge, the purchase of a fax machine does not require a specific permit from government organizations. According to the representative, some individuals even purchase fax machines from Iran's neighbours, such as from the city of Dubaei in the United Arab Emirates.

However, the Iranian telecommunications company provides telephone lines for fax users according to at least one criterium. It provides such lines for those whose work activities require the use of fax machines; they include government organizations, private companies and educational institutions. Individuals who do not have a work-related need, and who want to use a fax line for personal purposes only, are not given a line. The representative was not aware whether the Iranian telecommunications company has other criteria for providing lines, nor whether other government organizations must approve the installation of a line. Nor was the representative aware of a law or a policy regarding international fax transmissions.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Middle East Watch, New York. 12 October 1995. Telephone interview with representative.

Professor of sociology specializing in Iranian issues, Concordia University, Montréal. 10 October 1995. Telephone interview.