EmbeddingGemma 2: an open, lightweight multimodal embedding model
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Hacker News·Aug 24·5 min read
Iran Is Using Foreign Criminals to Attack Its Critics Overseas
TL;DR
Iranian dissident Pouria Zeraati faces threats from the Iranian regime, which has allegedly hired foreign criminals to silence critics abroad. Despite the danger, Zeraati continues to broadcast anti-regime messages, gaining significant viewership and increasing threats against him.
✦ Why It Matters
Support independent media and dissidents by sharing their stories and amplifying their voices online.
Key Takeaways
- Monitor news on Iranian dissidents for emerging threats.
- Support organizations that protect journalists and activists.
- Advocate for stronger international responses to Iranian aggression.
- Educate others about the risks faced by exiled communities.
Full Summary
Pouria Zeraati, an Iranian dissident in London, faced relentless threats from agents allegedly dispatched by the Iranian regime to silence him. After a series of harassment incidents, including stalking and direct threats, Zeraati's situation escalated when Romanian nationals attempted to attack him.
This incident is part of a broader Iranian strategy that employs criminals from various backgrounds to target dissidents, allowing the regime to maintain plausible deniability. Over the past five years, more than 200 such plots have been documented, with many aimed at journalists and activists.
The Iranian government’s reliance on hired criminals reflects its increasing desperation to suppress dissent, especially during periods of vulnerability. This tactic not only spreads fear but complicates law enforcement's ability to connect these crimes back to the regime.