Arrest of Two Citizens in Kerman over Online Comments
14-June-2025
Category: Freedom of Expression
14 June 2025
News Category: Freedom of Expression
Breathing in Confinement – Two citizens in Kerman have been arrested for expressing their opinions online regarding the Israeli airstrikes.
According to Breathing in Confinement, the news outlet of the Prisoners’ Rights League in Iran, quoting the Student News Agency, two individuals in Kerman Province were arrested by security forces on charges including “disturbing public opinion,” “propaganda against the regime,” and “insulting the victims of Israeli airstrikes.”
The provincial police command in Kerman reportedly stated that following the Israeli airstrikes in certain areas, officers from the Public Security Police identified and detained two individuals for allegedly “supporting Israel’s actions,” “disturbing public opinion,” “spreading propaganda against the regime,” “insulting the deceased,” and “spreading rumours” on social media.
The report goes on to declare that any media, cultural, promotional, or humanitarian activity that affirms or strengthens the Israeli regime is considered a criminal act, and offenders will face the severest punishments.
These arrests come despite the fact that, under international human rights standards, the expression of opinion on social media falls within the realm of free speech. The use of security-related charges to suppress citizens represents a clear violation of fundamental rights and is indicative of the repressive practices characteristic of dictatorial regimes.