13 minutes agoIran arrested 21,000 people during the June war against Israel
Periskopi(10 months ago)
(10 months ago)Iranian police have reported that they have detained about 21,000 people for alleged security violations during the 12-day war with Israel, which was conducted in June ʹ figure much higher than the official estimates released earlier. Police spokesman Saeed Montazerolmehdi said on August 12th that information received by citizens [...]
Police spokesman Saeed Montazerolmehdi said on August 12th that information received by citizens has played a significant role in the arrests. Not known how many continue to be held in custody.
Among the detainees are 2,774 foreign citizens charged with spying. Authorities said evidence has been found on their phones of suspicious activities, such as photos of military positions and key objects, as well as of broadcast location. Another 261 persons are suspected of spying, while 172 have been arrested for unauthorized footage.
This announcement conflicts with recent statements by judicial chief Gholam Hossain Mohseni-Ejei, who had reported 2,000 arrests during and after the conflict, stressing that many of them had been released after investigations had found no evidence for spying or co-operation with Israel.
Human rights organisations have expressed concern for the measures taken against suspects.
The US-based HRANA news agency has documented hundreds of arrests during the conflict, often against ethnic minorities and activists. International human rights organisation Amnesty International has condemned increased executions in Iran after the war, warning of torture, unjust judgments and arbitrary killings.
Since the end of June, Iran has executed at least seven people charged with spying on Israel, including nuclear scientist Rosebeh Vadi.
Vadi, arrested over a year earlier, was accused of providing sensitive information that had helped Israeli operations.
Iranian authorities express concern for the deep penetrate of the Israeli Mossad intelligence service, which, according to them, has enabled serious military and intelligence operations within the country.
In June, parliament adopted a law on the significant increase in spying sentences and co-operation with hostile foreign governments, particularly Israel. Although the Council of Guard overturned the law, a spokesman for the body said that, with some changes, it could be approved. / REL/ Periscopi/
