In anticipation of the May 19 presidential elections, Iranian security agencies have reportedly gone on an arrest spree, rounding up activists who use the Telegram app, prompting one Iranian parliamentarian to demand answers. Outspoken Ali Motahari, also deputy speaker of the parliament, told the Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA) that 12 activists with Telegram accounts have been arrested. According to him, those detained were either Reformists or supporters of President Hassan Rouhani's administration. The activists' Telegram accounts were reportedly shut down after their detention.

Telegram, an instant messaging app, is also a source of news and entertainment and is popular among Iranians of all ages. Many government officials, newspapers, journalists and individuals posting news feeds have their own channels and have attracted large followings.

Motahari's criticisms include that the arrests have taken place just before the Iranian New Year, thus during a parliamentary recess when the legislature cannot publicly address the issue and seek information. Suggesting that the arrests are intended to hurt Rouhani's chances at a second term, Motahari said that they “spread doubts” among the public in the run-up to the presidential election.

According to the website of Human Rights in Iran, Ali Ahmadnia and Saeed Naghdi, activists active on Telegram, are among those arrested in the recent roundup. Information is not yet available on the other individuals detained.