Iranians in India Impose Self-Censorship Following Tehran's Property Confiscation Warnings
In a significant development, Iranians residing in India, many of whom have long been vocal critics of the regime in Tehran, have begun drastically limiting their social media presence and deleting anti-regime content. This wave of self-censorship comes in direct response to statements and warnings issued by the Iranian prosecutor general's office on Monday, which declared that the government would confiscate properties of Iranians living abroad if they are found supporting US-Israel attacks on the country.
Immediate Actions and Heightened Anxiety
The office's threats included imposing heavy penalties, sparking fresh anxiety among families who still maintain relatives, homes, businesses, and inheritance claims in Iran. For many expatriates in India, the warning was sufficient to trigger immediate self-censorship. An Iranian woman in India, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns, shared her experience: "We are aware of the diktat and what the regime can do. On Monday, after coming across it, I have already deleted many posts from my social media account which were against the regime. On Tuesday, I received a direct threat call against posting anything that opposes the new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei." With over 10,000 followers on Instagram, she emphasized that while she does not own significant property in Iran, her primary fear is endangering her family. "I can't afford to put them into danger because of my actions. The regime can go to any extent, which has been evident in the recent past," she added, referring to her relatives in Iran.
Historical Precedents and Lingering Fears
Others expressed that the threat feels particularly real due to past experiences of similar punishments. Roya, an Iranian who agreed to be identified by her first name, recounted how her family suffered severe losses in 1988 on allegations of working against the regime. "My father then lost his carpet factory, an international logistics business, and at least 12 apartments. The shutdown of his business left 500 employees jobless. The freezing of bank accounts robbed him and my grandfather of what they had earned by working tirelessly over several decades," she said. Roya currently owns two apartments in Iran and fears losing them, as they represent all that remains of her family's assets. Her fear extends beyond financial concerns; she described lingering trauma from childhood, where she would tremble at the sound of the doorbell or phone, terrified that regime officials might take her father away. "That fear still lingers inside me. I can't afford to put him and my other family members in Iran under danger," she explained.
Escalating Online Harassment and Complicated Stances
The atmosphere has hardened further online, according to some Iranians in India. Asadi, an Iranian living in Mumbai for nearly four years, reported that since news of possible property confiscation began circulating, several Telegram channels run by regime sympathizers have been posting photographs of Iranians living abroad who protest against Tehran, branding them as traitors and threatening action. "The post that I came across features photos and details of around 20 Iranians from the West with a caption saying, 'Being a traitor doesn't go without punishment anymore. They will be identified,'" he said. Asadi noted that these messages threaten punitive measures, including revoking citizenship, banning entry to Iran, confiscating property, and stripping inheritance rights. "Since Monday, all the Iranians have become more careful on social media and are desisting from posting anything anti-regime," he added.
He further highlighted that recent strikes by the US and Israel on civilian infrastructure inside Iran have complicated the situation for many expatriate Iranians. "Those protesting in foreign countries were against the regime and were supporting the strikes with the hope that they would oust it. But now, when they are attacking Iran's civil infrastructure, historical buildings, and oil depots, how can we support the foreign forces? They are now harming the common Iranians," Asadi stated, reflecting the difficult position many find themselves in as they navigate loyalty, safety, and opposition.
