Iran Accused of Blocking SIM Cards to Silence Dissent

Iran accused of blocking SIM cards to silence dissent

DW has spoken with several Iranians who say their SIM cards, bank access and online accounts were blocked until they deleted critical content or pledged to stop activism.

Iran: Escalating Repression of Civil Society Activists and Teachers’ Union Advocates in 2026

Executive Summary Expansion of Extrajudicial Pressures: Reports have emerged regarding SIM card restrictions, banking blockades, house searches, and the confiscation of personal belongings of civil society activists in Khorasan provinces. Criminalization of Trade Union Activity: Teachers’ union and labor activists face subpoenas, arrests, fabricated charges, and judicial sentences due to their pursuit of livelihood demands […]