Iran: Protests Escalate Amid School Closures and Internet Shutdown
Initially a reaction against the rise of the gas price, protests in Iran have escalated to a new level yesterday. On the fourth day of protests, authorities have closed schools and the subway system. Access to internet has also been blocked, what has been considered a "serious violation of the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Iranian people” according to Net Blocks, an organisation that maps net freedom in the country.
The article below was publishe by Iranwire
On the fourth day of protests in Iran, authorities have closed schools in several cities and the subway system in Isfahan, while disruption continues at gas stations.
Schools in Alborz, Shiraz, Tehran, Isfahan and cities in the province of Khuzestan were closed on Monday, November 18 as protests continued.
After a brief period of allowing access, authorities have again blocked the internet. Net Blocks, an organization that monitors internet governance, described the continued shutdown as a "serious violation of the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Iranian people.”
Khuzestan's governor announced that 180 people in the province protesting against the rise in gas prices had been detained. The number of detainees across the country has exceeded 1,000 and unofficial reports have claimed between 40 and 50 people had died during the protests.
Islamic Republic officials confirmed the death of three people — one in Sirjan, one in Shahriar, and one in Islamshahr.
Students protested at Tehran University on November 17, voicing support for protests in the provinces and expressing their own frustration over the price increases.
Parliament Speaker Mohammed Ghasem Osmani resigned in protest over parliament not being involved in the decision to raise gas prices.
Photo courtesy by Iranwire
