13 detained in Iran's Qom for allegedly possessing Starlink satellite receivers

ISTANBUL

Thirteen people were detained Saturday in Qom in north-central Iran for allegedly possessing Starlink satellite receivers, the Fars News Agency reported.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the suspects were engaged in “anti-security activities” and were detained along with three Starlink satellite receivers, the outlet reported.

Four people were detained in Tehran for allegedly sending confidential information about missile impact points and bombing locations to Iran International television, which authorities describe as a "terrorist organization," said the media report.

The report said authorities have imposed restrictions on the internet, social media and messaging platforms, with many users accessing applications through virtual private networks (VPNs).

In previous years, Elon Musk said that about 100 Starlink satellites were providing internet connectivity support in Iran.

*Writing by Kanyshai Butun

ISTANBUL

Thirteen people were detained Saturday in Qom in north-central Iran for allegedly possessing Starlink satellite receivers, the Fars News Agency reported.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the suspects were engaged in “anti-security activities” and were detained along with three Starlink satellite receivers, the outlet reported.

The report said authorities have imposed restrictions on the internet, social media and messaging platforms, with many users accessing applications through virtual private networks (VPNs).

In previous years, Elon Musk said that about 100 Starlink satellites were providing internet connectivity support in Iran.

*Writing by Kanyshai Butun