General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsIran Warns, Detains 450 Social-Media Users, Citing 'Immoral' Posts
Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said it has summoned, detained, and warned some 450 administrators of social-media groups in recent weeks.
The announcement on August 23 was carried on a website affiliated with the IRGC's cyber arm, Gherdab, and said the unspecified number of detained people used social media like the messaging app Telegram, which is popular in Iran.
The announcement said those detained or summoned made posts that were considered "immoral." It said, without elaborating, that the IRGC only took action after "judicial procedures" were completed, and some people will face trial.
"These people were carrying out immoral activities, insulted religious beliefs, or had illegal activities in the field of fashion," said Gherdab.
In May, authorities announced an operation targeting modeling posts on Instagram. Several people were arrested for posting pictures of women without head coverings -- a crime in Iran.
The arrests are part of a larger cultural struggle in Iran between hard-liners and moderates over the country's future.
Despite restrictions, more than half of Iran's population of 80 million is online. Telegram alone has more than 20 million users.
http://www.rferl.org/content/iran-revolutionary-guard-arrests-warns-450-social-media-users-telegram-istagram-citing-immoral-posts/27942522.html
applegrove
(118,595 posts)men have been posing wearing the hijab instead of the women posing without the hijab. That must be why. Vibes to all.
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)"part of a larger cultural struggle in Iran between hard-liners and moderates...'
In an unfortunate way, it's a good sign. Except for those scary-unfortunate 450. I immediately hoped they're not taken Evin Prison, but not place would be good.
applegrove
(118,595 posts)Hortensis
(58,785 posts)Wherever they are.