Iran's intimidation tactics to silence activists

Iranian authorities are restricting the flow of information about last month's coal mine explosion in Tabas which killed at least 51 workers as the country fails to control a spate of disasters blighting the industry dating back years.

Iran’s security agencies have threatened labor activists and the families of Tabas coal miners for sharing information about the miners and the conditions at the Tabas mine, Iran International has learned.

Activists on social media have also been coerced into deleting their posts related to the disaster.

The explosion, which occurred on September 21, was caused by a methane gas leak deep within the mine according to state TV. Rescue operations were hampered by high levels of methane gas, with many miners trapped in Block B, where conditions were particularly hazardous.

The Islamic Republic's suppression of information about the Tabas explosion is part of a broader pattern of limiting public discourse on sensitive issues within the country.

Iranian authorities have frequently used intimidation tactics to silence families and activists. Families of the victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752, which was shot down by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on January 8, 2020, also faced threats, including murder and torture, aimed at preventing them from speaking out.