Feb 1, 2023
A new plan was submitted to the Islamic Republic parliament by which, “activity against national security” should be followed with “official punishments”. This plan suggests that if a person has 400 or more followers on social media, they shouldn’t be able to state their opinions freely to avoid “playing with people’s minds.”
24 Parliament members signed the proposal. “No one can be punished for their opinions but stating them completely freely shouldn’t be allowed,” they say.
Social media users are calling this “The Suffocation Plan.”
Meanwhile, Hassan Karami, commander of the Special Units of the Law Enforcement Forces, says that if anyone does not leave the streets after getting a warning, they will be harmed. He stated, “if anyone can prove that the system is accountable for Mahsa Jina Amini’s death, we will give them a prize.”
More Restrictions for Women
The spokesperson of the Judicial Commission of the Parliament announced a new resolution of this commission, that in case of final approval, the departure of all Iranian women out of the country will be subject to their "guardian's permission".
Previously, only married women or minors needed the permission of their husbands or fathers, and single women over 18 or divorced women did not need any permission.
Statement From Prison
On Sunday, January 29th, 7 women, all political prisoners, wrote a statement about executions and tortures from Evin prison in Tehran. In this statement, they mentioned some of the Islamic Republic’s villainy in prisons. This includes solitary confinement, untrue filings, mock executions to extract confession, and executions, especially towards environmental activists, political activists, and Baha’i prisoners.
This statement is signed by Hasti Amiri, Bahareh Hedayat, Raha Asgarizadeh, Sepideh Qolian, Narges Mohammadi, Alieh Motallebzadeh, and Noushin Jafari.
Earthquake Aftershocks
Following the earthquake in Khoy, many houses are destroyed and the situation is difficult for citizens. Reports show that people in this city are facing a severe lack of facilities and services during this time. Tents, food, and medical services are not enough for everyone and the government is not being helpful.
Students at Tabriz University gathered in front of the law studies department to protest against the government’s failure in the relief operation in Khoy.