'Six seconds is enough to kill': The exiled Iranian dissidents living with the threat of the regime's revenge

Omid Shams, an Iranian human rights lawyer and writer living in the United Kingdom, carries the weight of a six-second countdown in his mind, a chilling reminder of how quickly an assassin could strike him down with a knife. For exiled Iranians like Shams, the specter of retaliation from the Iranian regime looms large, marked by persistent threats, intimidation, and acts of violence orchestrated by elements within the Islamic Republic. Shams, who fled Iran approximately 13 years ago, now resides in the UK, having previously lived in Denmark under a program designed to protect human rights lawyers and writers facing persecution at home. His journey has taken him through academic pursuits, earning a doctorate in human rights law, while simultaneously documenting human rights abuses in Iran. However, his activism has drawn the ire of the Iranian government, leading to a barrage of threats typically delivered through anonymous messages. Recently, however, the regime has escalated its tactics, using social media accounts linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to issue explicit death threats directly targeting individuals such as Shams. The IRGC, known for its aggressive stance against dissent, has a documented history of employing both digital and physical intimidation methods. These include cyberattacks, surveillance, and even the desecration of homes with animal carcasses. In recent months, concerns have grown among European security agencies regarding the increasing involvement of Iranian operatives in the region, particularly through the recruitment of proxies, often young individuals or criminals, who execute attacks in exchange for financial incentives. This trend became evident when a Norwegian teenager was recently convicted for agreeing to commit a murder on behalf of Iran, facilitated by Tehran-backed Swedish criminals. In response to these threats, Iran International, an independent television station based in London that covers events in Iran, faced significant pressure. A group identifying itself as Harakat Ashab Al Yamin Al Islamiyya, translating to the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right, took credit for several attacks earlier this year, including an incident involving Iran International. As a result, the station had to temporarily halt operations in the UK's capital following threats aimed at assassinating two of its presenters. An Austrian man of Chechen descent was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for planning an attack on the station, while two Romanians were recently incarcerated for stabbing Iran International journalist Pouria Zeraati, a close associate of Shams. The psychological toll on exiled activists is profound. According to Shams, the sense of danger permeates all aspects of life, whether working, socializing, or simply going about daily activities. “This kind of threat and pressure comes like a constant noise,” he remarked, emphasizing the omnipresent nature of fear in the lives of those opposing the regime. The IRGC's latest campaign includes targeted videos featuring prominent figures such as Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the late supreme leader of Iran, discussing the risks posed by those challenging the revolutionary values of the country. These videos are accompanied by religious music and images of foreign-based Iranian media outlets marked with bullet holes, suggesting a clear message of intimidation and control. Security services in the UK and Europe continue to monitor the escalating situation, aware that the Iranian regime's reach extends beyond traditional diplomatic channels. The use of proxies, combined with sophisticated digital strategies, presents a complex challenge for counterintelligence efforts. Despite these challenges, the resilience of exiled activists remains undeterred, driven by a commitment to exposing human rights violations and advocating for change from afar.