An Iranian businessman has died after being beaten while in custody, according to the Abdorrahman Boroumand Foundation, a human rights group. The victim, Hesam Alaeeddin, 40, was a member of the prominent Alaeeddin family, which owns the Alaeddin Mall in Tehran.
Alaeeddin had gone to security authorities to inquire about his brother, who had been arrested on charges of using Starlink satellite equipment to access the internet. The rights group reported that both brothers were subjected to violence by security agents. The exact timing of Alaeeddin's death and his brother's arrest remain unclear, but unconfirmed reports indicate his body was buried last Wednesday after being returned to his family.
Broader Context of Repression
This incident occurs against a backdrop of severe internet restrictions in Iran. Authorities cut off access to the global internet 64 days ago, coinciding with a military attack by the United States and Israel. Since then, the vast majority of Iranians have been without connectivity, with only a small number of high-income individuals reportedly able to obtain Starlink equipment through unofficial channels.
The Alaeddin Mall was the site of protests over rising prices and inflation in December last year, which quickly spread to other cities across Iran. The family's prominence and the nature of the charges against Alaeeddin's brother underscore the regime's crackdown on dissent and access to information.
Euronews could not independently verify the reports due to internet shutdowns and restrictions in Iran. The judiciary's official position remains unclear. This story echoes broader patterns of repression in Iran, as documented in a UN report that noted 21 executions and over 4,000 arrests since the war began.
The use of Starlink equipment, provided by SpaceX, has become a symbol of resistance against internet censorship. However, access remains limited to those who can afford the high costs and navigate the risks of procurement. The death of Hesam Alaeeddin highlights the dangers faced by those who challenge the regime's control over information.
For European observers, this case raises questions about the effectiveness of sanctions and diplomatic pressure on Iran. The European Union has condemned human rights abuses in Iran, but the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. The incident also underscores the importance of internet freedom as a fundamental right, a principle that the EU has championed globally.
