What's happened
Iran has fully disconnected from the global internet amid ongoing protests sparked by economic hardship and calls to end the clerical regime. The shutdown began last Thursday, coinciding with violent crackdowns and mass arrests. Human rights groups report at least 45 deaths, including children, as protesters continue to fill streets despite restrictions.
What's behind the headline?
The Iranian government’s internet shutdown is a strategic move to suppress information and hinder protest coordination. This tactic, previously used during conflicts like the 12-day war with Israel, aims to isolate protesters and limit international scrutiny. The shutdown’s timing suggests a calculated effort to weaken the protest movement while avoiding global attention. Human rights organizations warn that this repression facilitates mass arrests and violence, with reports of severe injuries and deaths. The regime’s narrative labels protesters as 'harmful elements,' but the sustained street presence indicates deep-rooted discontent. The shutdown’s impact on digital governance and financial systems further destabilizes the country, risking prolonged unrest. The international community’s response remains limited, highlighting the regime’s ability to suppress dissent through technological control. The protests’ resilience suggests that economic grievances and demands for political reform will persist, potentially leading to further crackdowns or negotiations in the future.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Iran remains completely disconnected from the global internet, with at least 45 people killed since protests began. The Times of Israel emphasizes that the internet blackout is a deliberate tactic, citing reports of severe injuries caused by security forces. The New York Times details the near-total internet shutdown during the initial days of unrest, comparing it to previous government-enforced blackouts during crises. All sources agree that the shutdown aims to hinder protest communication and international oversight, with human rights groups warning of escalating violence and repression.
How we got here
Protests in Iran have been ongoing for 13 days, initially driven by economic grievances and now demanding political change. The government has historically used internet blackouts during crises to suppress information and control protests. Recent unrest follows calls by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and widespread public dissatisfaction with the regime's handling of economic and social issues.
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Common question
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Why Did Iran Disconnect from the Internet During Protests?
Iran's recent internet blackout has drawn global attention as protests continue across the country. The government’s decision to disconnect from the global internet is a strategic move aimed at controlling information and suppressing dissent. But what exactly prompted this shutdown, and what are its implications for protesters and human rights? Below, we explore the reasons behind Iran’s internet disconnection, what protesters are demanding, how authorities are responding, and the impact on civilians.
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Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a