Iran Shuts 24 Internet Cafes

December 17, 2007 9:39 a.m. EST

Tehran, Iran (AHN) - Iran's government closed 24 Internet cafes Sunday, arresting 23 people for what security forces said was for "immoral computer games...obscene photos" and improper women's dress, according to state media.

The closures follow what one opposition Web site claim is "a new wave of suppression of women."

Iran's government security forces inspected 435 coffee shops, handing out 170 warnings over the weekend, reports said.

In October, Iranian authorities closed six bookshops that also operated cafes.