...Eutelsat’s HOT BIRD satellites of channels belonging to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). This decision was based on reinforced EU Council sanctions and a confirmation by France's broadcasting authority that the Sahar 1 TV channel that broadcast in IRIB’s multiplex of television and radio services should be permanently switched off. IRIB has been informed of the termination of its contract. Transmissions consequently ceased this morning through the HOT BIRD transponder.

France’s broadcasting authority (the Conseil Supérieur de l’Audiovisuel) confirmed its decision of 2005 that the Sahar 1 channel should be permanently switched off via Eutelsat’s Hot Bird satellites. As a French company, Eutelsat is bound to comply with instructions from the French broadcasting authority. Moreover, Ezzattolah Zarghami, as the head of IRIB, was included in the list of European Union sanctioned persons disclosed on March 23, 2012, following a violation of human rights by IRIB in its programming.