Tehran, Iran – As part of a broad and ongoing campaign by Iranian authorities to monitor public spaces and commercial activities, the Mizan News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Republic’s judiciary, reported the closure of a new cafe in northern Tehran. The closure was justified by the pretext of “non-compliance with legal and Islamic standards.” This reflects the increasing pressure on cafes and entertainment venues across the country.
Posting “illegal” photos
The Mizan news agency claimed that the closure order came after the posting of what it described as “illegal” photos on social media. This prompted the Tehran Public Prosecutor’s Office to file an immediate lawsuit against the café’s managers. These proceedings culminated in a court order for the permanent closure of the business.
This incident is the latest in a series of punitive measures targeting numerous businesses recently. On June 10, Tehran’s “Public Places Supervision Police” shut down another cafe on serious charges, including “promoting deviant groups” and “engaging in immoral activities.”
Cafes closed in Iran
This approach was not limited to the capital, as it extended to other cities. On June 22, a cafe in the city of Rasht was shut down on charges related to “gambling” and “committing immoral acts”.
The city of Ardabil also witnessed a similar action in recent days, with the closure of one of the city’s main reception halls under the pretext of “immoral activities.”
Authorities did not stop at closing the establishment. The city’s public prosecutor issued an arrest warrant for the hall’s owner, indicating the authorities’ desire to impose strict control over social activities and facilities frequented by young people.
This judicial escalation is causing growing concern among business owners and service providers in Iran, who find themselves under intense security and judicial scrutiny.
Human rights and monitoring circles believe that these systematic campaigns target not only alleged violations but also seek to impose strict restrictions on social spaces and individual freedoms, exacerbating the economic pressures these small businesses are already facing under the current circumstances.
