Intensified Repression to Prevent Potential Protests
Amid escalating regional tensions and growing public dissatisfaction, a new wave of mass arrests has begun in Iran. According to reports, on Monday, June 16, 2025, at least 30 citizens were detained by security and law enforcement forces in the provinces of Ardabil, North Khorasan, Kerman, and Mazandaran. These arrests are part of a systematic policy by the Iranian authorities aimed at preemptive repression and controlling the public sphere in anticipation of potential mass protests.
Arrests of Social Media Activists in North Khorasan
Officials in North Khorasan Province have reported the arrest of five social media users on charges of “spreading public anxiety.” According to the deputy police commander of the province, the individuals were arrested for posting content following the Israeli military strike on Iran, which security agencies deemed “anti-security.” The official claimed that these individuals aimed to disrupt the “psychological security of society” by spreading rumors. No information has been provided regarding their identities or whereabouts.
Similar Crackdown in Kerman
On the same day, the police commander of Kerman Province announced the arrest of five more social media activists—two women and three men. The charges against them include “supporting the Zionist regime,” “spreading public anxiety,” and “propaganda against the system.” Authorities stated that these individuals had been active on foreign messaging platforms and that their accounts had been shut down by Iran’s Cyber Police (FATA). This crackdown underscores the regime’s intolerance for even limited dissent expressed on private or semi-private platforms.
Mass Arrests in Mazandaran
In Mazandaran Province, at least 15 individuals were arrested on Sunday, June 15, 2025, on charges of “spreading false information” and “public agitation” via social media. According to the provincial police commander, these individuals were identified and detained over a 24-hour period through intelligence monitoring across several cities in the province. As in previous cases, the identities of the detainees and details of their cases have not been disclosed.
Institutionalized Human Rights Violations: Repression Instead of Accountability
These recent arrests are part of an entrenched policy by the Iranian government, which in recent years has routinely responded to waves of public protest with intensified security measures rather than addressing citizens’ legitimate demands. These actions—which include intimidation, arbitrary detention, denial of fair trial rights, and the issuance of harsh sentences—constitute clear violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, particularly freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Iran’s security and judicial institutions frequently level vague or politically motivated charges such as “disturbing public opinion,” “espionage,” or “propaganda against the system” without presenting transparent evidence. Detainees are often denied access to legal counsel and subjected to opaque and unfair judicial proceedings.
