Iran

Name of law: Law on Publication and Free Access to Information
First adopted: 2009
Last modified: n/a
RTI Rating last updated: 2017-07

Introduction

Iran’s RTI score is below average and even this score is inflated due to its very strong scope rating. There is a serious shortage of clear procedures for making requests, leading to a very low score on that category. Notable weaknesses in the regime of exceptions include the fact that other laws can trump the RTI legislation, the presence of a number of illegitimate exceptions and the lack of a public interest override, although all exceptions are at least harm tested. There is a system of administrative appeals but the oversight body is not independent and lacks the required powers to do its job. There are sanctions for obstruction of access but no protections for good faith disclosures, and public authorities are not required to appoint information officers.

The law is also available in its Persian original here.