Iran blocks SIM cards of journalists, activists to stifle dissent - Shargh

Several journalists and political activists in Iran have alleged to a local newspaper that their SIM cards have been blocked and deactivated by order of security agencies in recent months.

A journalist, using the pseudonym Amir, told Shargh in a lengthy article on the subject that after his SIM card was deactivated, he could no longer make emergency calls and was left without any explanation. Upon inquiring with the prosecutor’s office, he was asked whether he had been previously arrested.

“They mentioned my prior arrests and limited political activity, telling me I would likely be contacted and required to sign a commitment (to desist). They said this could take up to a month,” Amir said. He also noted that all his digital services, including banking, had been disabled, upending his daily life.

This comes as Iran International reported on intensifying security measures around the first anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini, whose death in police custody in 2022 ignited the largest ever nationwide protests against the Islamic Republic.

Another journalist, using the pseudonym Sepideh, shared with Shargh that her SIM card was deactivated in June following her posting of political content on social media. She said that after contacting the prosecutor’s office, she was compelled to delete several political posts and images of herself without a hijab and to sign a pledge. Her SIM card was then reactivated after three weeks.

A student activist, Shahram, also reported his SIM card was deactivated. Despite his efforts, he remains unaware of the specific reason for the block, suspecting the involvement of authorities.

Additionally, a journalist and writer, using the pseudonym Susan, told the daily that her SIM card was blocked for about two weeks ago without prior notice.

After reaching out to the Deputy of Cyberspace at the Prosecutor General’s Office, she was given another phone number and eventually summoned. She added that when she visited a security agency follow-up office, she was informed that her Instagram activity had been classified as “propaganda against the state,” and she would be contacted regarding her phone line or potential charges.

According to lawyer Payam Dorafshan, such actions are not new.

“Some prosecutors have issued broad directives to enforcement agents, allowing them to summon individuals by phone. If they do not comply, their bank accounts are first frozen, followed by the deactivation of their mobile services.” Dorafshan added that this practice forces citizens to comply with enforcement agencies, which act under judicial orders.

Dorafshan also pointed out that according to Iran’s legal framework, fundamental principles of fair legal proceedings, and the Islamic Penal Code, no citizen should be deprived of a fair trial process before a final ruling is issued. He said that blocking phone numbers can have far-reaching consequences, including the denial of basic civil rights and essential services like access to healthcare.

Shahla Orouji, a lawyer and member of the Central Bar Association, said that such punishments are not permitted by Iranian law.

“According to Article 36 of the Constitution, punishment must be issued by a competent court and according to the law. A judicial officer has no right to impose punishment.”

Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic, journalists, students, and civil activists critical of the government have faced various forms of pressure, including arrests, torture, imprisonment, and executions. The crackdown has intensified since the nationwide protests against the Islamic Republic erupted in September 2022.