Islamic regime detains 130 people over riots, espionage operations for Israel, US - report

Iran's Intelligence Ministry has announced the detention of 130 people accused of involvement in "sabotage operations and rioting" during recent protests and in connection with the ongoing conflict with Israel. According to reports from IRGC-linked Fars News and semi-official Tasnim News, four of those arrested are specifically accused of engaging in espionage operations for Israel and the United States.

The majority of the detainees, 126 individuals, were arrested for their alleged roles in "sabotage operations and rioting" during the January protests that swept across Iran. These protests were initially sparked by economic grievances but evolved into wider anti-government demonstrations.

This wave of arrests follows a period of heightened security measures and crackdowns by the Islamic regime. Iran's police chief, Ahmadreza Radan, stated last month that security forces had apprehended over 6,500 individuals suspected of espionage since the conflict with Israel began on February 28. It is noted that many individuals convicted of security-related offenses, espionage, or actions against Iran's internal or external security are ineligible for a recent pardon issued by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, which covered 139 death row inmates.

Experts have suggested that individuals convicted of national security offenses, including many arrested during the January economic protests and the 2022 "Women, Life, Freedom" movement, would likely not qualify for the amnesty. The regime continues to assert control through these detentions, framing the actions as necessary to counter foreign influence and internal dissent.