Parliamentarians approved an article of an act concerning political parties and groups, which sets out activities that carry punishment, IRNA reported on Wednesday. According to the article, "parties, fronts and alliances subject to the act" are free to pursue their activities within the framework of laws and regulations, but they receive punishment if they commit some offences including violating Islamic principles and the Constitution and taking action against state security or if they engage in business activities such as establishing financial institutions.
