Article 19: The Islamic Republic Will Continue Its Digital Repression During the Presidency of Behdar

The human rights organization 'Article 19' reported on various aspects of digital repression by the Islamic Republic, stating that there is no doubt that digital repression in Iran will continue. Article 19, which identifies itself as an international entity promoting freedom of expression globally and strengthening the voice of the people, believes that although the election of Masoud Behdar as president may lead to a 'potential change in personnel' in the 'Supreme Council of Cyberspace', the central policymaking body for the internet in the Islamic Republic, there is no doubt that digital repression will continue. The report notes that the Islamic Republic pays special attention to intensifying control over the internet after every national uprising in Iran and begins a new phase of digital repression. Article 19's report mentions the examination of the duties and powers of the 'Supreme Council of Cyberspace', stating that this body, under the management of a new hardline figure, is strengthening its dominance over the internet. The report indicates that the 'Supreme Council of Cyberspace' is continuously moving towards a comprehensive and multifaceted campaign for further repression of freedom of expression on the internet and completing the project of Iran's domestic internet. Article 19 outlines four significant developments since the protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in custody of the morality police in 2022, warning that these developments raise alarms about the future of internet freedom in Iran. Some of these developments include a new directive from the 'Supreme Council of Cyberspace' to create domestic internet traffic and counter virtual private networks (VPNs), the approval of a new hijab and chastity bill, and increased pressure on women's dress codes through a monitoring system in cyberspace. The report also refers to a plan for 'sharing digital content revenue' to create new income programs for social media influencers aligned with the Islamic Republic. Article 19's report expresses concern over the appointment of Mohammad Amin Aghamiri, a hardline figure affiliated with the regime and former head of the student Basij at Sharif University of Technology, as the secretary of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, highlighting the new powers granted to him by Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, for executing his duties, including control over filtering through the 'Seventh Development Plan'. Aghamiri has been sanctioned by the US, UK, and EU due to his role in repressing freedom of expression and human rights and using digital tools for spying and harassing journalists and opponents of the Islamic Republic. A joint statement from a group of human rights organizations indicates that the time for silence and cautious diplomacy has passed. Protests in Iran demonstrate the potential damages if Twitter is absent. Article 19 criticizes the violation of the right to assemble in Iran and its repression, and human rights organizations warn about torture and inhumane treatment of witnesses of the Aban tribunal.