According to a reliable source, more than 300 individuals are detained at the Sabzevar Intelligence Agency located on Cinema Street in this city. The source reported instances of beatings and torture of the detainees.
Iran Human Rights Society, Sunday, June 15, 2025 – Following the onset of Israel’s attacks, a wave of arrests has been reported in various Iranian cities, including Dezful, Sabzevar, and Yazd, with the primary reason cited as online activities related to Israel’s recent attacks. These arrests, conducted in secrecy and without providing detailed information, have sparked widespread concern across the country.
Arrest of Several Individuals in Dezful Accused of “Disturbing Public Psychological Security”
According to Mehr News Agency, Mehdi Amadeh, the Dezful Prosecutor, announced the arrest of several citizens in this city for sharing videos and commenting on Israel’s recent attacks. He claimed that these individuals, by sharing clips and images online, intended to “disrupt the psychological security of society.”
However, in the official statements from the prosecutor’s office, no mention was made of the number of detainees, their identities, or the exact nature of the content they shared. This lack of transparency has drawn criticism from human rights activists regarding the clarity of the judicial process and the legality of these arrests.
Warning from the Attorney General’s Office Regarding Online Activities
In this regard, the Attorney General’s Office issued a warning yesterday, stating that the publication of content deemed to “disrupt public psychological security” could lead to judicial repercussions. The institution also described such activities as part of the “enemy’s disruptive operations.”
Such vague and broad terms, which could encompass a wide range of statements, may, in practice, lead to increasing restrictions on freedom of expression online.
Violent Arrest of Masoumeh Shahnavaz, a Retired Teacher in Sabzevar
One notable case involves Ms. Masoumeh Shahnavaz, a retired teacher from Sabzevar. According to her family, intelligence agency agents stormed her private residence, arrested her with violence and beatings, and transferred her to an undisclosed location.
Shahram Sadsadi, Ms. Shahnavaz’s son, stated that during the arrest, agents searched his mother’s home, broke household items, and confiscated some of her personal belongings. He also warned that his mother, who has undergone heart surgery twice, is in critical physical condition, and the responsibility for her health lies with the security and judicial authorities.
Arrest of Five Citizens in Yazd for Filming Attacks
In Yazd Province, the Public Relations Office of the Judiciary reported the arrest of five citizens who were detained by the IRGC Intelligence Organization for filming Israel’s attacks on Iran and sharing the videos online.
The official statement from this institution noted that such actions are considered “causing public disturbance” and could lead to prison sentences of two to five years. It was also emphasized that any publication of content supportive of Israel’s attacks would face judicial consequences.
However, as with other cases, no information has been provided about the identities of the detainees or their place of detention. This approach raises serious concerns and ambiguities regarding respect for the rights of the accused and adherence to fair trial standards.
The arrest of citizens for expressing opinions or sharing information related to international issues, particularly based on vague terms such as “disturbing psychological security” or “causing public disturbance,” can be considered a direct violation of freedom of expression.
Widespread Arrests in Various Cities
Fearing an escalation of protests, the regime’s leaders have resorted to arbitrary and unregulated arrests. According to reports, hundreds of individuals have been detained across various cities.
According to an eyewitness, more than 300 people are detained at the Sabzevar Intelligence Agency on Cinema Street. This eyewitness reported instances of beatings and torture of the detainees.
Human Rights Violations in Recent Arrests
The arrest of citizens for expressing opinions online, without clear charges, lack of access to legal counsel, violence during arrests, and detention in undisclosed locations constitute clear violations of several fundamental human rights principles. These include:
Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Guaranteeing the right to freedom of expression and access to information.
Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Prohibiting arbitrary detention without legal procedures.
Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Ensuring the right to a fair and public trial for every individual.
Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Prohibiting violent or degrading treatment of detainees.
The simultaneous violation of these principles raises serious questions about the commitment of responsible institutions to international human rights obligations and underscores the urgent need for oversight by international human rights organizations.
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