Iran regime uses 'wartime conditions' to intensify repression: Amnesty International

Iran's Islamic regime is exploiting "wartime conditions" to intensify repression against its people, according to Amnesty International. The organization reviewed text messages from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) threatening individuals who bypass internet restrictions. These messages framed ordinary online activity as a threat to national security, warning that circumvention could lead to prosecution under the Espionage Act, a charge often punishable by death. The IRGC reportedly sent these warnings to individuals identified through their IP addresses, VPN, or satellite internet usage. The threats included blocking cell phone services and SIM cards, and referral to judicial authorities. Explicitly, any connection to "hostile states" or the "Zionist regime" could result in Espionage Law prosecution. Under Article 508 of the Islamic Penal Code, cooperation with "hostile states" can result in one to 10 years imprisonment. A 2020 law targeting "hostile actions of the Zionist Regime" can carry the death penalty for intelligence sharing or a 5-10 year sentence and a lifetime ban from public office if connected to Israelis. Amnesty International reviewed 11 instances of these messages, including eight that warned civilians against photographing damaged areas and sharing content with media. Such actions were deemed "collaborating with the enemy" and subject to legal consequences. This report follows the Islamic Republic's apparent end to an almost three-month internet blackout, though significant restrictions reportedly remain. Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director at Amnesty International, stated that authorities are "exploiting the crisis to further erode the human rights of people in Iran." She added that the regime has "unleashed an all-out assault on people in Iran, targeting anyone who dares" to maintain its grip on power.

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Iranian authorities are exploiting the crisis to further erode the human rights of people in Iran who are already suffering from the devastating consequences of unlawful air strikes by US and Israeli forces, as well as decades of crimes under international law at the hands of the Islamic Republic.