Iran cracks down on alternative internet use, detaining 14 near Tehran

Last week, armed agents in plain clothes raided a villa on the outskirts of Tehran where a group of young people were attempting to access the internet via Starlink in order to update their social media accounts.

Fourteen people between the ages of 23 and 38 were detained during the operation, Iran International reported.

According to activist Golshan Fathi, the detainees were handcuffed, bound, and blindfolded. The agents allegedly destroyed surveillance cameras and seized electronic equipment, including hard drives and monitors, without presenting a clear warrant, before removing the group to an undisclosed location.

Several days later, the detainees received phone calls from a private number informing them of the charges against them. These reportedly included “espionage for Israel,” “cooperation with hostile media,” “propaganda against the system,” “attempting to overthrow” the government, and “smuggling goods,” apparently referring to the Starlink equipment.

Families subsequently tried to locate their relatives at Fashafuyeh, Qarchak, and Evin prisons, but authorities did not disclose where the detainees were being held.

The detentions come amid severe restrictions on internet access in Iran. On January 8, the country experienced a complete internet blackout as protests over economic conditions spread nationwide, increasing pressure on the leadership. The blackout lasted 11 days.

On January 19, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for internet access to be restored.

“For the facilitation of online trade and the easing of communication barriers, I have recommended to the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, that internet access be restored as soon as possible,” Pezeshkian said.

The president also instructed authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into those detained during the ongoing protests, which have continued since the end of last year. At the same time, Pezeshkian stressed that organisers of unrest and those responsible for killings and violence must face the courts and law enforcement without leniency.

By Tamilla Hasanova