The arrest of Behzad Saeedi, when freedom of expression is considered a crime

The denial of freedom of expression to the opposition in the shadow of security repression was the reason for the arrest of 35-year-old nurse Behzad Saeedi.

Seyed Behzad Saeedi, a 35-year-old nurse from Khomein, was arrested on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “gathering and colluding to act against internal security” and was sentenced to two months in prison. Human rights sources say the charges against him, including “sending images to foreign media,” are a reflection of the restrictions on freedom of expression and the increasing security pressure on critical citizens in Iran.

According to the human rights organization "HeNgaw", on Thursday, October 23, Seyyed Behzad Saeedi, a 35-year-old nurse and resident of this city, was transferred to Khomein Prison after being charged by the Khomein County Prosecutor's Office, and a two-month detention order was issued by the prosecutor.

He had been arrested by the IRGC intelligence forces at his father's house the day before, on October 20, and transferred to the Intelligence Department's detention center. According to available reports, the charges against him included: "gathering and colluding to act against the country's internal security," "propaganda against the system," and "sending images of sensitive parts of the city to foreign media."

Human rights reporter Hengao stated that Behzad Saeedi had no known political background and had worked in the field of medicine.

As of the time of writing, the Islamic Republic's judicial or security authorities have not officially responded to Mr. Saeedi's arrest. On the other hand, civil society organizations and social media users have called the arrest another example of the restrictions on freedom of expression in Iran.

Some activists have written on social media: "In a country where speaking the truth is a crime, silence is a sign of fear, not consent."

Legal observers have also warned that the repetition of similar arrests in small towns indicates the expansion of the control and security space even to non-political segments of society, especially when the defendants are from the service or medical professions.

Behzad Saeedi's case reflects a deeper reality: "In today's Iran, the line between 'reporting' and 'acting against national security' is drawn in a vague manner, such that any type of communication or transmission of information can be perceived as a threat by security institutions."

The suppression of freedom of expression is a tool of social control. The arrest of individuals who have no political role or influence is done not to directly threaten the government, but to create general fear in society; a clear message that “anyone who speaks out may be caught.”

The accusation of "sending images to foreign media" clearly shows that the government is afraid of being seen. While transparency is the main pillar of accountability in any political system, turning it into a crime actually fuels secrecy and public distrust.

As seen in other similar cases, the harsh treatment of ordinary citizens, in contrast to the leniency towards those close to power, discredits justice. In a system where telling the truth is punishable, the law becomes a tool for silence.

The arrest of Seyyed Behzad Saeedi is a sign of the continuation of a policy that in recent years has considered any critical or independent voice a security threat. In a country where peaceful information, dialogue and criticism are considered crimes, freedom of expression is only a slogan on paper. From nurses to teachers, journalists and civil society activists, political activists and religious minorities, dozens of citizens have been arrested in recent months on similar charges, charges whose true nature is only "speaking the truth."