Iranian author warns of arbitrary 'spy' accusations after intelligence ministry decree
Sadeghheh Vosoughi, an author, religious scholar, and civil activist, has criticized a recent directive from Iran's Ministry of Intelligence. This directive aims to define specific instances of the law on "intensifying penalties for espionage." Vosoughi described the move as an attempt to restrict freedom of expression, civil rights, and media activities within the country. She noted that her name appears on a list of 61 individuals labeled by the Ministry of Intelligence as "hostile media communicators." Writing on her Instagram page, Vosoughi asserted that the accusations outlined in the directive are baseless and lack credibility. She expressed concern that granting the Ministry of Intelligence the authority to determine what constitutes espionage, without judicial oversight, opens the door to baseless accusations and potential imprisonment without a court order. This situation raises significant concerns about due process and the potential for politically motivated charges against individuals perceived as critical of the government.
The Iranian Ministry of Intelligence's directive to define "espionage" offenses grants significant power to an executive body, potentially bypassing judicial review for accusations of serious crimes. This concentration of authority risks enabling arbitrary enforcement, where individuals may face severe penalties based on interpretations of "hostile media communication" rather than concrete evidence adjudicated by an independent judiciary. Such a system could stifle dissent and journalistic freedom, as the fear of being labeled and prosecuted without due process may lead to self-censorship. The long-term implications involve a chilling effect on public discourse and a potential erosion of trust in state institutions, particularly concerning the protection of fundamental rights in the digital age.
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