The Unseen Eye: Australians' Phone Calls with Iran's Unrested Relatives Under Surveillance
In the shadow of Iran's escalating anti-government protests, where thousands have lost their lives, the Iranian-Australian community finds itself in a delicate dance of communication and surveillance. Hussein*, an Iranian-Australian, shares his harrowing experience of receiving a call from his mother in Tehran, amidst the regime's communications blackout. This blackout, a tool of repression, has left families in a state of uncertainty, relying on encrypted platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram to stay connected.
But here's where it gets intriguing. As Hussein conversed with his mother, he noticed a subtle hint of surveillance. When he questioned the regime's narrative, his mother's response was intriguing. She mentioned a third person on the line, who urged them to 'quickly cut off the conversation'. This wasn't an isolated incident. The president of the Australian Iranian community organisation, Siamak Ghahreman, reported similar experiences, where people believed their calls were being monitored, with a voice instructing them to 'hang up now'.
The Australian-Iranian Society of Victoria's vice-president, Kambiz Razmara, added a layer of complexity. He observed calls disconnecting when Iranians discussed Iran's troubles, suggesting government control over direct communication. Sahar Razavi, an Iranian-American and director of the Iranian and Middle Eastern Studies Center, shed light on the regime's surveillance machine. She emphasized that the Islamic Republic has a well-oiled system for surveillance, intercepting calls to monitor dissent and maintain control.
The protests, sparked by economic crisis and mismanagement, have grown into a broader anti-government movement. The regime's violent response, including eye injuries from gunshots, has been reported during the blackout. As the world watches, the Iranian-Australian community navigates a delicate balance, using technology cautiously, aware of the ever-present surveillance, and the potential consequences of speaking out.
