Iran announces online system to persecute critics abroad
Iran plans to expand its persecution of government critics outside the country through a new online system for the “identification and punishment of traitors.” Supporters of the Iranian regime are being urged to submit information about government opponents through a web portal or messaging app.
As The National reports, Iranian state television said that people whom the authorities identify as “traitors” may be stripped of Iranian citizenship.
The Elaaj project
The initiative is called Elaaj, meaning “treatment” or “remedy.” Its stated goal is to protect national security and the interests of the Iranian people from “unpatriotic” and separatist movements, as well as from those who support sanctions and military attacks.
State media also reported the possible termination of access to financial and media resources for people whom the authorities classify as “traitors” abroad. At the same time, no details were disclosed about the practical implementation of such restrictions.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Pressure on opponents outside Iran
Iranian authorities regularly describe opposition activists and dissidents abroad as “counter-revolutionaries” or “separatists.” Human rights advocates note that such accusations are often broadly used in cases related to national security.
In June, two men in the United Kingdom were found guilty of a knife attack on a journalist from Iran International, a television channel critical of the Iranian regime. According to the prosecution, the attack was organized “on behalf of the Iranian state.” It was also reported that Iranian cybercriminals used sophisticated phishing campaigns against dissidents abroad.
The new initiative was announced amid concerns among Iran’s leadership about possible new mass protests. Activists estimate that 7,000 people were killed during the suppression of protests in December and January.
