Authorities have expanded detention orders to include three prominent reformist politicians in Tehran. Commuters now face delays of up to two hours due to roadblocks. The crackdown has shifted from random arrests to targeting specific political leaders.
Security forces arrest dozens in Tehran
State security forces detained at least 40 people in central Tehran on Tuesday, local rights groups said. Police used tear gas and batons to break up crowds near Valiasr Square, witnesses reported. The Ministry of Interior confirmed operations continue but did not release a total count of detainees.
Unconfirmed reports suggest some arrested individuals were taken to Evin Prison, though authorities have not verified this. Residents described heavy police presence blocking major intersections across the northern districts. No official cause for the specific gatherings was provided by state media.
The crackdown on dissent has escalated through arrests and threats against protesters, the ABC News report noted[6]. The cause of any injuries remains undetermined pending independent medical access.
Targets widen to include reformist leaders
Authorities expanded detention orders to include three prominent reformist politicians in Tehran on Wednesday. This shift marks a move from arresting spontaneous protesters to neutralizing organized opposition, legal experts say. The crackdown on dissent has widened to include reformist figures following nationwide protests, NPR reported[1].
Former parliamentarian Mohammad Reza Aref was summoned for questioning, his office confirmed Thursday. Two former mayors of Tehran were also placed under house arrest, sources close to their families said. The judiciary has not yet filed formal charges against the detained reformists.
Critics argue the broadening scope aims to silence all dissent before upcoming local elections. The Supreme National Security Council stated these measures aim to prevent 'illegal assemblies'. The Iranian government has escalated its crackdown on dissent through arrests, executions, and threats against protesters, the ABC News report noted[6].
Residents face tighter movement controls
Commuters in Tehran now face delays of up to two hours as security units block major roads. These roadblocks have disrupted daily travel for approximately 9 million residents who rely on public transit through the city center, the UK government report detailed[4]. Mobile network speeds also dropped significantly in the eastern districts during peak hours, users reported.
Schools in three central districts closed early Thursday following instructions from local education officials. Families of the newly detained reformists cannot visit them without court permission, legal representatives said. Businesses in the financial district reported a 30 percent drop in foot traffic compared to last week.
A court hearing for the initial group of protesters is scheduled for next Monday.
