In response to the order from the Head of the Judiciary to the Prosecutors General to take motion in opposition to people who’re perceived to be in opposition to societal values, the Tehran Police Intelligence Organization has introduced the arrest of over 72 social media activists. The fees in opposition to them embody “community spreading corruption and prostitution.”
According to the Tehran Police Intelligence Organization, these people are accused of manufacturing and sharing vulgar content material on Instagram, in addition to speaking with well-liked Instagram figures to advertise luxurious, western life, and the disclosing of hijab. They are additionally accused of organizing “combined events and pool events,” which the police has described as spreading prostitution and corruption.
This information comes amid reviews of elevated crackdowns on social media activists and well-known Instagram figures, who’ve confronted summonses from safety and legislation enforcement companies. The arrests have been linked to the continuing social, political, and financial tensions in Iran, in addition to efforts to advertise Islamic values and discourage engagement with overseas influences.
The latest wave of arrests and crackdowns has additionally been seen as a response to the failure of the federal government’s efforts to shift customers from overseas social media platforms to home alternate options. Despite heavy promoting and promotion of home packages, a good portion of the Iranian inhabitants continues to make use of Instagram and has proven little curiosity in transitioning to native platforms.
The arrests and closures of social media pages have been met with criticism from some, who view them as makes an attempt to strain well-liked figures into utilizing home platforms and as indicators of an absence of tolerance for numerous viewpoints in Iranian society.