Archive for the ‘Internet’ Category

Internet Vigilante Justice: Iran

Neda’s horrific murder by the Basij militia, captured on video (warning: graphic violence), has shocked and enraged the international community. More importantly, the killings have shocked and enraged individuals, who are working together, Anon-style, to identify and threaten leading members of the Basij.

People have begun collecting and distributing pictures of Basijis who are armed and took part in the murders ongoing. The purpose is to make their lives at least a little bit harder; they shouldn’t walk freely and enjoy life when they are taking away lives of innocent people. In the last few days, Basijis have started wearing helmets so they can’t be recognized.

In this photo (larger image), an armed man is seen riding a motorcycle:

The man was identified as Seyyed Hassan MirKazemi, and this picture is being distributed widely (larger image):

Translation from Farsi

Caption on the left side:

Location of picture is ‘Donyaye Felez’ (World of Metal) from ‘Donyaye Eghtesad’ (World of Economy) newspaper.

We know you and we will kill you soon… (English)

We will kill you soon.

Caption on the right side:

Seyyed Hassan MirKazemi
Head of Bassij of Al-Hadi mosque
Located in Shams Abad hill, Tehran
CEO of ‘Donyaye Felez’ company
Located on Karaj Autobahn

Have a better translation? Email info@cyber-sapiens.com.

Implications

Internet vigilantism has sparked discussion again and again. But could the first documented human deaths soon result from search and destroy engines? What will this mean for freedom of information and speech online? Whether you’re for or against vigilante justice, this situation is unprecedented and should be closely watched. (I’m rooting for the vigilantes, myself.)