Violation of Freedom of Expression: Citizen Arrested in Rumeshkan for “Disturbing Public Opinion”
15-June-2025
Category: Freedom of Expression
15 June 2025
News Category: Freedom of Expression
Breathing in Confinement – A citizen in Rumeshkan has been arrested on charges of “disturbing public opinion” after expressing views online regarding Israeli airstrikes.
According to Breathing in Confinement, the news outlet of the Prisoners’ Rights League in Iran, quoting Young Journalists Club, following a recent Israeli attack, an individual was identified and detained by security forces in Rumeshkan County for allegedly “insulting, supporting Israel, and disturbing public opinion” through social media posts. The report did not disclose the identity of the detainee.
Breathing in Confinement expressed concern over the increasing repression of civil liberties, stating that in the aftermath of the Israeli airstrike, under the pretext of a wartime situation, authorities have imposed broader restrictions on freedom of expression. The arrest of individuals solely for expressing opinions is a clear violation of fundamental rights, particularly the right to freedom of expression, as recognised in international human rights instruments.
The report emphasised that the vague and broadly defined charge of “disturbing public opinion” enables arbitrary interpretation by judicial authorities and has become a tool for suppressing any dissenting opinion that contradicts official policies. The use of such terms without precise definitions and clear legal standards contravenes the principle of legality in criminal law.
In this context, the police information centre announced that all user activity on social media is under surveillance and that the publication of any content deemed by security agencies to “disturb public opinion” will be subject to legal prosecution.