Berlin, Germany – The Iranian exile community in Berlin has expressed concern over the potential consequences of the recent military escalation between Israel and Iran. Hamid Nowzari, the head of the Iranian Refugees Association in Berlin, warned of a possible wave of reprisals against political prisoners in Iran, including those falsely accused of spying, dual nationals and freedom fighters.
Nowzari also expressed alarm over the potential for a crackdown on civil society in Iran, fearing that the regime might use the situation to quash protests and dissent. He believes that the Israeli attack could have negative consequences for the Iranian democracy movement, as the regime might use the situation as a pretext to intensify its repression of opposition groups.
Furthermore, Nowzari warned of the risk of terrorism in Europe, stating that if Iran is unable to respond militarily, it might resort to targeted attacks, sabotage, or terrorist acts on the continent. The recent escalation of aggressive rhetoric against Western states has been noticeable, he added.