How does the Islamic Republic use the tool of cutting mobile SIM cards to pressure critics?

🔸Islamic Republic officials for some years now have used cutting SIM cards as one of the most effective tools for punishing and deterring critics and civil activists; an action whose consequences and effects are not limited to deprivation of access to telephony services.

🔸Many of Iran’s everyday facilities and services, from banking and government affairs to insurance and even educational services, are tied to a registered mobile phone number and the confirmation messages that are sent to it. As a result, blocking an individual’s SIM card in practice deprives them of a wide range of essential services and their civic rights.

🔸Mahsa Safaei, a car mechanic who also produces content on Instagram, says that three years ago, her SIM card was cut off because, in her videos, she appeared without a headscarf and wearing short-sleeve clothing.

🔸Read the full report on the Radio Farda website.