Tehran’s prosecutor has announced criminal charges against several individuals accused of spreading “false news” and creating “fear to harm the psychological security of society” through social media. According to reports from the judiciary-affiliated Mizan news agency on October 4, various users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Telegram channels, and other online activists have been identified as part of this crackdown.
The judiciary stated that it has been actively monitoring cyberspace, targeting those disseminating content deemed harmful to the public’s psychological well-being. Legal actions have been taken against some individuals, while others have received warnings. “For those who have been charged, judicial cases have been opened,” the Mizan report added.
This heightened scrutiny of online activity comes amid significant regional developments, including reactions to the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, a recent missile attack by the Iranian regime on Israel, and the public reappearance of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at Friday prayers after more than four years.
In a related move, on October 2, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement threatening citizens with legal action if they expressed support for Israel on social media. Subsequently, Tehran’s prosecutor’s office announced on October 3 that former presidential aid Abdolreza Davari was among those charged for “spreading false news” and contributing to “psychological insecurity.”
In recent days, several social media users in Iran have urged the public to refrain from commenting on sensitive political matters to avoid arrest, account suspensions, and interrogations by security forces. Some have even posted videos asking citizens to remain silent, fearing government retaliation. However, these appeals have sparked backlash, with critics accusing these users of aligning with the authorities, labeling them as “traitors” and “collaborators.”
Iran’s cybersecurity apparatus has also been on high alert. On September 28, the Strategic Management Center for Cyberspace Security issued a red alert for financial, communication, and cyber infrastructure, signaling a broader crackdown on online activities.
The judiciary’s actions are part of a long-standing effort to control public discourse, especially in the aftermath of high-profile incidents, including the deaths of key regional figures like Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Iranian officials. Human rights activists have condemned these actions as clear violations of free speech in Iran, accusing the regime of intensifying efforts to stifle dissent and limit access to information.
