Iran says detained over 21,000 suspects during war with Israel
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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iranian security forces detained more than 21,000 people during the 12-day war with Israel, state media reported on Tuesday, marking the first time the country has revealed the total number of detentions.
'The arrest of 21,000 suspects during the 12-day war shows the high awareness and participation of people in ensuring security,' state TV cited Saeed Montazeralmahdi, a police spokesperson, as saying.
During the 12-day war between the arch-rivals, Iranian authorities and state-affiliated media reported the arrests of dozens of civilians accused of spying for Israel or cooperating with it
'During this time, cyberspace became an important front in the battle, and FATA police [Iranian cyber police] played an effective role by handling more than 5,700 cyber crime cases, including online fraud and unauthorized withdrawals,' Montazeralmahdi added.
Tensions skyrocketed between Iran and Israel on July 13 after Israel launched airstrikes killing top brass Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists, causing Iran to retaliate with drone and missile attacks. The two traded salvos for 12 days. Later, the US also got involved with missiles launched by air and sea, targeting Iran's three main nuclear facilities.
The police spokesperson revealed the arrests of 261 people for allegedly committing espionage and 172 others accused of unauthorized photography, without elaborating on the charges they would face.
Over 1,000 checkpoints were placed throughout the country during the 12 days of conflict.
This is the first time Iran has spoken out on the total number of arrests during the war. Authorities have occasionally reported on suspects charged with espionage.
Since the end of July, Iran has executed seven men accused of spying, with activists worried the government will conduct a wave of executions, AP reported on Tuesday. The country ranks second globally for known executions, according to Amnesty International.
Iran has released several confessions of people accused of cooperating with or spying for Israel. Such confessions are widely believed to be coerced, often obtained through threats, psychological pressure, and, in some cases, physical torture.
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