BBC: Reports from Iran say several people have been detained for alleged links to the BBC's Persian service, which is banned in the country.
Mehr news agency said they were involved in newsgathering, recruiting and training for Iranian journalists and had arranged trips abroad for them.
A BBC statement said no BBC Persian staff members were working inside Iran.
It said the reports "should be of deep concern to all those who believe in a free and independent media".
Last week, the BBC accused the Iranian authorities of a campaign of bullying and harassment against those working for its Persian service. » | Tuesday, February 07, 2012
