Islamic Republic Police Consider Publication of Election Polls a 'Crime'

A senior official of the Islamic Republic Police once again threatened social media users, stating that the 'republication and dissemination of polls' from 'unofficial channels with unspecified origins' is a 'crime.' Vahid Majid, head of the Cyber Police of the Islamic Republic, also deemed the publication of polls 'whether regarding elections or candidates' and the dissemination of content against candidates as criminal acts. The head of the Cyber Police further warned users that they should be cautious, as the publication and republication of any content aimed at encouraging, inciting, or promoting a reduction in participation sanctions, or calling for gatherings and protests, or any actions that disrupt elections conducted in cyberspace, is considered a crime. This senior police official also classified the dissemination of content intended to 'create fear and terror for those who wish to vote' as a crime and announced that action would be taken against social media users. Previously, state media quoted the media center of the judiciary, announcing the formation of cases against certain websites and newspapers, signaling the beginning of a new phase of criminalization and control of news coverage during the 'election' period in the Islamic Republic for the presidential position. Criminalizing media activities during elections, under various pretexts and with the aim of homogenizing and securitizing news reporting, is a common method used by the Islamic Republic to suppress media freedom and maintain control over the flow of information. Reporters Without Borders has classified the Islamic Republic as 'one of the most repressive governments in the world' in terms of media freedom, ranking Iran 177th out of 180 countries regarding freedom of expression. Vahid Majid had previously reported that to control the cyberspace during the days when discussions about elections are ongoing, '34 special operational task forces' are monitoring the events related to the elections across the country. Recently, we have seen judicial officials file charges against certain media outlets. Some journalists who previously had legal cases were arrested and transferred to prison simultaneously with the start of the campaigning period for the government-approved presidential candidates. The upcoming election, scheduled for July 8, has been described by users with titles such as 'staged military parade,' 'election circus,' 'stand-up comedy,' and 'farce show,' while political observers have noted that the introduction of six 'circus performers' for the elections indicates that the circle of Khamenei's close associates has tightened. The Tehran prosecutor has filed charges against two media outlets on the grounds of 'spreading false news' in the electoral atmosphere. More than 100 artists, musicians, and writers have called for the immediate cancellation of the death sentence and the release of Tomaj Salehi. A doctor in Bojnurd was arrested after posting an image of a meatball on social media. The National Front of Iran announced that they would not participate in the presidential election show. A senior IRGC official stated that the 'outcome of the elections' should not 'weaken the resistance front.' Abolfazl Ghadiani remarked that Ali Khamenei's record is dark in every respect, and boycotting the elections is an effective action in protest against the ruling system.