Internet Disruptions in Iran Amid Ongoing Protests

Iranians are facing internet disruptions as protests continue to spread across the country. The disruptions started on Thursday, with internet users reporting sporadic outages in both home and mobile connections. According to data from Cloudflare, a US-based global internet infrastructure and cybersecurity company, internet traffic in Iran has decreased by an average of 35 percent compared to previous days.

Cause of Disruptions

The Iranian government has not commented on the cause of the disruptions, but Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi stated that the country had fended off one of the largest cyberattacks in recent memory, which could have contributed to the limited internet bandwidth.

Protests and Violence

The protests, which began last Sunday among traders and salesmen in downtown Tehran, have spread to cities across the country, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 people. The government has blamed "enemies" and "hostile elements" for the violence, while protesters claim that security forces are responsible for the killings.

Deaths and Arrests

Among those killed was a young business owner in the city of Hamedan, whose death was described as "suspicious" by the regional governor’s political and security deputy. A 17-year-old boy was also shot dead in the city of Qom, with the top security official claiming that "hostile elements" were behind the incident. Several people have been arrested, including three "major leaders of the recent riots" in the city of Khorramabad.

Government Response

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has blamed foreign influence for the protests and warned that "rioters must be put in their place." The government has also organized demonstrations in many cities to commemorate the anniversary of the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani, Iran’s former top general.

Economic Conditions

The protests have been fueled by economic conditions, which have been deteriorating for years due to "maximum pressure" sanctions imposed by the US in 2018. Inflation stands at around 50 percent, and many businesses, schools, and universities have been shuttered since Wednesday.

Online Activism

Several online shop owners and social media personalities have ceased their normal business activities as a show of solidarity with the protesters. Protests have also been ongoing in universities, with multiple videos and reports indicating that several students were detained.

Conclusion

The situation in Iran remains volatile, with ongoing protests and internet disruptions. The government’s response to the protests has been marked by violence and repression, while the economic conditions that sparked the protests show no signs of improving. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the growing unrest and whether the protests will lead to any meaningful changes in the country.