Iranian authorities have detained more than 3,600 people on charges linked to the recent US-Israeli war, ranging from sharing videos with foreign media to possessing Starlink internet terminals, a Norway-based human rights group said on Tuesday.
Iran Human Rights (IHR) reported that at least 3,646 arrests have been recorded since the conflict erupted on February 28, with at least 767 occurring after a ceasefire began on April 8.
The NGO noted that the actual number is likely much higher due to severe internet restrictions in the country.
Common charges against the detainees include espionage, communicating with foreign intelligence services, transmitting images or coordinates of sensitive sites to overseas media, and attempting to form operational cells or engage in armed activities.
Arrests have also targeted individuals using Starlink devices to bypass internet blackouts and those accused of cooperating with pro-monarchist groups.
Among those detained are more than 100 civil society activists, including prominent rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, who was arrested on April 2. Her daughter reported that Sotoudeh is being held by the intelligence ministry.
The crackdown comes amid heightened tensions following the war, with IHR describing the figures as a minimum based on state media reports and its own verification.
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