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NetBlocks says the obvious blackout follows ‘a collection of escalating digital censorship measures focusing on protests’.
Printed On 8 Jan 2026
Iran is experiencing a nationwide web blackout, on-line monitoring group NetBlocks has mentioned, amid escalating protests over a worsening financial disaster.
In a put up on social media on Thursday, NetBlocks famous that the obvious blackout follows “a collection of escalating digital censorship measures focusing on protests throughout the nation and hinders the general public’s proper to speak at a essential second”.
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Protesters have taken to the streets in cities throughout Iran since late December amid anger over the hovering price of residing and the devaluation of the native forex.
At the least 21 individuals, together with safety forces, have been killed for the reason that demonstrations started, in accordance with a tally by the AFP information company, citing native media and official statements.
The Iranian authorities have supplied blended messages in response to the unrest, with President Masoud Pezeshkian calling for “utmost restraint” within the dealing with of the demonstrations.
However earlier this week, Supreme Chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei mentioned rioters have to be “put of their place”. The nation’s high choose additionally accused demonstrators of “working in line” with the USA and Israel.
Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei mentioned there could be no leniency for individuals who “create insecurity”.
“If anybody comes into the streets for riots or to create insecurity, or helps them, then no excuse stays for them,” he mentioned. “The matter has turn into very clear and clear. They’re now working according to the enemies of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
United Nations chief Antonio Guterres this week underscored the necessity to stop additional protest-related casualties, his spokesman informed reporters.
“He additionally calls on the authorities to uphold the precise of freedom of expression, affiliation and peaceable meeting,” Stephane Dujarric mentioned throughout a briefing on Monday.
“All people have to be allowed to protest peacefully and specific their grievances.”
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