Tehran E-Commerce Association Criticizes Divar Founder Disqualification

The Tehran E-Commerce Association has issued a statement condemning the disqualification of Hesam Armandehi, founder and chairman of the Divar platform, from entering the capital market. The association described the decision as a severe threat to private ownership, the independence of legal institutions, and investment security in Iran's digital economy. It warned about the decision's implications for public trust and the future of the country's innovation ecosystem, calling for transparency and accountability from relevant institutions.

Concerns Over Legal Independence and Investment Security

According to the association's public relations department, the statement reads: "As the representative of civil and professional activists in the country's digital economy, the Tehran E-Commerce Association expresses its deep concern over the process leading to the disqualification of Hesam Armandehi. We believe this decision goes beyond the fate of one company. It is a worrying sign for the future of the knowledge-based economy and undermines the position of legal institutions in the country. This action challenges an entrepreneur's right to manage a business they founded, targeting one of the main pillars of private ownership and seriously jeopardizing investment security."

The association further added: "The involvement of a security agency (the IRGC Intelligence Organization) in assessing and determining the eligibility of companies, with no clear legal transparency or defined criteria, raises fundamental questions about the scope of authority and accountability of decision-making bodies. This interference undermines the independence of the Securities and Exchange Organization as the legal authority overseeing the capital market. It also disrupts economic predictability, which is essential for investment security."

Impacts on National Economy and Solidarity

The statement continued: "At a time when the country has faced one of its most challenging periods in recent months, including a 12-day war, private sector activists have made every effort to maintain business stability, social hope, and support for the population. Actions like these not only go against national solidarity but also send a clear message of disregard for strengthening the digital economy. The result will be nothing but undermining trust foundations, investment opportunities, and harming national economic growth."

Call for Transparency and Collaboration

The Tehran E-Commerce Association further warned: "This decision will have a destructive impact on Iran's entire innovation ecosystem and is not limited to one individual or company. For years, businesses in this sector have struggled to build a brighter future solely through personal investment and human expertise due to blocked avenues for external funding caused by security measures. In this challenging path, entering the capital market was not merely an option but 'the ultimate hope' and the only remaining path for transparent and legal growth. Crushing this hope effectively means dealing a blow to the future of the digital economy, employment, and national optimism."

The Tehran E-Commerce Association reaffirmed its strong support for the legal rights of all its members. It announced that it would diligently pursue this matter until clear and responsible answers are obtained. In this regard, the association plans to hold a specialized session in the near future. It will invite all relevant parties, including regulatory bodies, capital market officials, government representatives, and digital business managers to engage in a transparent and documented national dialogue on this issue.

The association concluded: "We firmly believe that only through lawful measures, constructive dialogue, and collaboration can a stable and bright future for Iran's digital economy be built."