Escalating Repression and Increasing Restrictions on Freedom of Expression Under Security Crackdown
15-June-2025
Category: Freedom of Expression
15 June 2025
News Category: Freedom of Expression
Breathing in Confinement – A citizen in Shahr-e Kord has been arrested on charges of causing “psychological insecurity” after posting comments on social media regarding Israeli airstrikes.
According to Breathing in Confinement, the news outlet of the Prisoners’ Rights League in Iran, quoting Rokna, the Deputy Prosecutor of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province reported the identification and arrest of an individual who, according to judicial authorities, had posted videos and images on social media that allegedly led to “disturbing public opinion” and “causing psychological unrest in society.”
Mehdi Asgari, Deputy Prosecutor of the provincial capital, stated:
“In recent hours, a person who attempted to disrupt public peace by sharing videos and images on social media was identified by security forces and arrested by judicial order. After being formally charged at the Seventh Investigation Branch of the Shahr-e Kord Prosecutor’s Office, a bail order was issued, and the individual was transferred to prison.”
The report did not provide any details about the identity of the arrested individual or the content they had shared.
Breathing in Confinement expressed deep concern over the increasing repression of civil liberties in Iran, stating that following the recent Israeli airstrikes and under the pretext of wartime conditions, broader restrictions have been imposed on freedom of expression and citizens’ rights. Arresting individuals solely for online commentary is a clear violation of fundamental human rights, especially the right to freedom of expression, as recognised in international human rights instruments such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The rights group also warned that the use of vague and legally undefined charges like “disturbing public opinion” enables arbitrary interpretation by judicial authorities and has become a tool to suppress dissent and opposing views. Such practices violate the core legal principle of no crime or punishment without law, which requires that any criminal offence be clearly defined by law.
Meanwhile, the police information centre reiterated that all online user activity is continuously monitored and warned that the publication of any content deemed by security agencies to “disrupt public order” or “disturb public opinion” is subject to legal prosecution.