Mazandaran: Eight Administrators of a Telegram Channel Arrested

HRANA – The Chief Justice of Mazandaran Province has announced the arrest of eight citizens who administered a Telegram channel. The detainees are facing charges including “participation in forming and operating a network aimed at disrupting national security” and “propaganda activity against the regime.” After cases were opened against them in the Chalus Prosecutor’s Office, they were subsequently transferred to prison.

According to ILNA, the Chief Justice identified the detainees as core members of the Telegram channel “Shikar-e Mozdoor” (Mercenary Hunter) and reiterated the charges of “forming and managing a network allegedly intended to undermine national security and engaging in propaganda activities against the regime”.

Abbas Pouriani further stated that the Telegram channel attributed to these individuals has been blocked, and that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest additional suspects. He noted that the arrests—carried out in Ramsar, Tonekabon, Chalus, Abbasabad, and Nowshahr—followed nearly ten months of surveillance, after which the individuals were transferred to prison under judicial orders.

No additional details, including the individuals’ identities or the precise dates of their arrests, have been disclosed.

Mohammad Vaziri Arrested in Isfahan

On August 17, Mohammad (Koroush) Vaziri was arrested by security forces in Isfahan and taken to an undisclosed location. His wife, Shirin Alizadeh fell victim to regime forces in Chalus, Mazandaran province, amid the nationwide protests (aka Mahsa Amini protests).

A source close to the Vaziri family disclosed to HRANA that Vaziri’s detention transpired after a commemorative ceremony at his wife’s gravesite on her birthday. His apprehension unfolded at the entrance of the cemetery. This source outlined that during the arrest, authorities confiscated both his mobile phones and those of his friends and accompanying relatives.

The motives behind this arrest, Vaziri’s current location, and the specific charges levied against him remain shrouded in uncertainty.
Shirin Alizadeh was tragically shot dead by the police/security forces on September 22 during the 2022 nationwide protests.

Background on the 2022 Nationwide Protests

The arrest of Mahsa Amini by Tehran Morality Police for her improper hijab and her suspicious death on September 16 sparked protests sweeping across Iran. Protesters came to the streets with the central slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” in protest against the performance, laws, and structure of the regime. During the nationwide protests, thousands of people, including journalists, artists, lawyers, teachers, students, and civil rights activists, were arrested.