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They Left Iran, but Now the Regime Is Seizing Their Assets to Silence Them
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- A retired Iranian couple discovered their bank cards were blocked and their assets frozen by the intelligence ministry in early May.
- The freeze was a punitive measure linked to the social media activism of their daughter, Noushin Najafiragheb, who opposes the Iranian government from Europe.
- The Iranian government has increasingly used asset seizures to punish individuals for relatives' actions abroad, targeting homes, businesses, and savings.
- Authorities often extend these penalties to family members residing in Iran when the primary targets live overseas.
- The Najafiragheb family’s experience reflects a broader pattern, with many others facing similar financial reprisals due to relatives' dissent abroad.
