The head of an Iranian satellite television network who was sentenced in absentia to six years in prison last year by a Tehran court has been shot dead in Istanbul together with a business partner, according to Turkish media.

Key points: GEM TV is known for its Western programming in heavily regulated Iran

GEM TV is known for its Western programming in heavily regulated Iran A Tehran court had sentenced Mr Karimian to jail for "acting against national security"

A Tehran court had sentenced Mr Karimian to jail for "acting against national security" A Turkish mayor suggests shooting could be over financial disagreements

GEM TV founder Saeed Karimian and an associate were driving in Istanbul's Maslak neighbourhood on Saturday evening when their car was blocked by a jeep and shots were fired.

Mr Karimian was found dead by emergency services arriving at the scene — his associate was taken to hospital but could not be revived.

Turkish news agency Dogan described both victims as being of Iranian origin while the Hurriyet Daily News identified Mr Karimian as a British national and his associate as a Kuwaiti.

Two masked shooters got out of the jeep before opening fire, Hurriyet said — the jeep was later found abandoned and burned.

GEM TV boss Saeed Karimian was reportedly shot dead in Istanbul. ( Facebook: Saeed Karimian )

Istanbul police declined to comment on the incident.

Local media quoted the mayor of Istanbul's Sariyer district as saying initial police findings suggested the shooting may have been prompted by a financial disagreement involving Mr Karimian.

GEM TV is known for entertainment satellite channels that dub foreign films and Western television programs into Farsi for Iranians — it also produces movies and TV series.

But in Iran, where the Government tries to instil Islamic values by strictly regulating popular culture, the satellite broadcaster's programming has angered authorities, who view it as part of a cultural "soft war" waged by the West.

Last year a Revolutionary Court in Tehran tried Mr Karimian in absentia and sentenced him to six years in jail on charges of "acting against national security" and "propaganda against the state".

Reuters