(b) The worsening situation with regard to freedom of opinion and expression and freedom of the media, especially the increased persecution for the peaceful expression of political views, including arbitrary arrest and detention without charge or trial; crackdowns by the judiciary and security forces against journalists, parliamentarians, students, clerics and academics; the unjustified closure of newspapers and blocking of Internet sites; the targeted disqualification of large numbers of prospective candidates in the Majlis elections as well as the intimidation and harassment of opposition activists in the run-up to the elections held in February 2004;
(b) 意见和表达自由以及媒体自由方面的情况日益恶化，尤其是加紧迫害以和平方式表达政治观点者，包括任意逮捕、未经起诉或审讯而实行拘留；司法和安全部队镇压新闻记者、议员、学生、神学士和学者；无理封闭报社并屏蔽因特网网站；有针对性地取消本将参加议会选举的大批候选人的资格并在2004年2月举行的选举前的竞选阶段，恐吓和骚扰反对派活动者；