Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. Journalists also need a license before they can legally start working. Licenses for journalists are provided by the Press Supervisory Board, and a license is withdrawn if a journalist criticizes the State. Censorship in Iran is not just an act by an individual. It's a process that involves interaction and negotiation. The complexity and ambiguity of the system stimulate self-censorship and create a culture of censorship. However, not everything is negotiable. Criticism of the Supreme Leader, for example, is strictly prohibited. Any journalist or artist who does not obey the Iranian State can face severe punishment. Laws and regulations The Iranian Constitution contains many articles which restrict the flow of information. However, the phrases in its articles are often ambiguously worded. These vague articles leave too much room for interpretation about what's legal and what isn't. Censorship regulation is, therefore, a highly subjective practice. It depends on the interpretation of the individual bureaucrat in charge, who dictates whether censorship will be applied or not. The articles in the Constitution can, therefore, easily be used by government officials who want to suppress dissenting voices. The Iranian Constitution does not protect journalists and artists by giving them rights. The Iranian Constitution states very general rules concerning freedom of expression. Article 24 states: "Publications and the press have freedom of expression except when it is detrimental to the fundamental principles of Islam or the rights of the public. The details of this exception will be specified by law." Till now, there is no existing law that specifies the details of this exception. Article 3 of The Press Law states: "The press have the right to publish the opinions, constructive criticisms, suggestions and explanations of individuals and government officials for public information while duly observing the Islamic teachings and the best interest of the community." The first part of this law describes a lot of freedoms for the press. However, the second part of this freedom is restricted by very broad exceptions. Anything can be labeled as against "the interest of the community," and therefore, the press should always be careful. Article 500 of the penal code states: "Anyone who engages in any type of propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran or in support of opposition groups and associations shall be sentenced to three months to one year of imprisonment." What is seen as propaganda can not always be