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Iran detains alleged opposition supporters after banned flag video

Iranian authorities have arrested individuals following the circulation of online videos showing motorcyclists displaying the flag of a proscribed opposition group. The incident underscores ongoing tensions between the government and dissent in the country.

LSN Malaysia · 6 September 2026

Iran detains alleged opposition supporters after banned flag video

Iranian security forces have detained alleged supporters of an outlawed opposition organisation after videos emerged online showing individuals riding motorcycles through city streets while waving the white-and-red banner of the People's Mujahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI). The group has been designated as a terrorist entity by Tehran, and public display of its symbols remains a serious legal violation. The arrests mark the latest in a series of crackdowns targeting perceived opponents of the Iranian government. The videos, which circulated widely on social media platforms, captured the flag-waving demonstrations in what authorities view as acts of sedition. Specific details regarding the number of detainees and their identities have not been officially disclosed, though the incident reflects persistent challenges to government authority within Iranian society. The PMOI, also known as the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), has long been a focal point of Iranian state security operations due to its historical opposition to the Islamic Republic. The group's activities and symbols continue to provoke severe official responses, particularly when manifestations occur in public spaces. This latest incident comes amid broader discussions about dissent and civil liberties in Iran, where restrictions on political expression remain stringently enforced.