Iran's Chief Justice has threatened people who criticize the government in the aftermath of last week’s deadly terror bombings with legal consequences.
Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei stated that “prosecutors should not overlook the actions of those who, following the Kerman incident, supported the enemy, whether in legal or illegal domains.” The comments come in the wake of two explosions during the fourth memorial of former IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani on January 3, that killed around 90 people.
Iranians have been demanding answers as to why the government failed to ensure the security of the gathering, and why senior officials did not attend, insinuating foreknowledge by the government.
In response, at least 9 social media users have been arrested for their critical comments.
Deputy Police Chief Ramin Pashaei revealed on Saturday the identification of 500 internet pages deemed "insulting to the martyrs of Kerman," with operators under cyber surveillance and some facing warnings to remove criminal content.”"
Reports indicate citizens in various cities, including Tehran, Yazd, Bushehr, Semnan, and North Khorasan, have been detained for allegedly “insulting Qasem Soleimani and his anniversary ceremony.”
Morteza Motiee, the representative of the Supreme Leader in Semnan province, condemned those attributing the Kerman incident to the Islamic Republic, accusing them of "following the devil.”
Meanwhile, Ali Shamsipour, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Science, threatened to expel students critical of the government for the Kerman terrorist incident.