Another post from Mahjad,

The Terrifying Perspective

In the last days of the previous [Persian] year [which ended a few days ago], we had a discussion with  colleagues [in the newspaper] on how we should arrange our work in the new year given the political circumstances. In fact, less than a week passed and in the very first day of the new year it was known that, to protect the national unity and Islamic solidarity [the name Khameneii officially gave to the new year], we should very likely refrain from any criticism. When the Leader [the blogger intentionally uses the unofficial title "Leader", as opposed to "the Supreme Leader"], in the first day of the year, warns journalists to be aware to not to, intentionally or unintentionally, spread negative ideas about the regime and the authority and the future, it is obvious that no one can anymore criticize the actions of the President and other administration figures; because you might just make people discouraged.

Also, no one can warn about the sensitive position of Iran in the international community and emphasize on the sad situations which may happen, because this makes people discouraged about the future.

In a more rigid viewpoint, even the news of car accidents and thefts in the media could be considered as discouragement, regarding the actions of the Police, and thus no one should talk about them. I am sure this will never happen, but I am also sure, to the same extent, that the new year would be hard for political journalists. More accurately speaking, it would be harder for them. From now on, any negative opinion or criticism could be regarded as being against the national unity. The best chance then is to be shushed by the administration. I was talking to two other journalists last night and none of us had a positive idea about the perspective for the current year. Our best guess was that our hands will be tied more than before. It seems that the working conditions of the new year have been decided in less than a week.

I hope we are all wrong.