Twelve People Arrested in Gilan, Kurdistan Provinces for “Plotting to Incite Disorder”

Security forces in Iran have arrested 12 people in the provinces of Gilan and Kurdistan, according to the Tasnim news agency, as authorities continue a crackdown in the run-up to the first anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death next month.

Tasnim, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said on August 17 that those arrested are accused of "plotting to incite disorder and vandalism" on the anniversary of last year’s nationwide protests sparked by Amini's death. 

The agency did not name those targeted by the wave of arrests, but it claimed they were linked to "external elements and had received training and funding from foreign intelligence agencies."

The Intelligence Department of Gilan Province said in a statement that the detainees were instructed to "orchestrate plans for Mahsa Amini's anniversary" on September 16.

The police chief of Gilan province said they were accused of "undermining national security." 

Dozens of people have been arrested across Iran in recent weeks, including students, journalists and lawyers.

Officials have blamed the West for inciting last year’s monthslong popular protests and vowed to crack down even harder on the demonstrations.