Tens of thousands of Iranians have gathered in the streets of the capital, Tehran, and other cities as protests sparked by a struggling economy spread – increasing pressure on the country’s leadership.Authorities have imposed a nationwide blackout, according to internet monitoring group NetBlocks, while state media blamed the protests on “terrorist agents” from the US and Israel.
A brief report – low down in the morning news bulletin on state television – represented the first official word on protests that have been sweeping across the country.It went on to say the unrest has seen “people’s private cars, motorcycles, public places such as the metro, fire trucks and buses set on fire”, and there have been casualties.
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Protests taking place in Tehran on Thursday night. Pic: AP
Demonstrations first began in Tehran last month – triggered by a sharp slide in the value of the rial currency – but have since spread across Iran.
They represent the most significant challenge to the government in several years.Figures from the US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency suggest 34 protesters and four security personnel have been killed, with 2,200 arrests.Call by the exiled crown princeLarge protests on Thursday night followed a call by the country’s exiled crown prince for a mass demonstration.
Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, whose fatally ill father fled Iran just before the country’s Islamic Revolution in 1979, had said in a statement: “Great nation of Iran, the eyes of the world are upon you.”Take to the streets and, as a united front, shout your demands.”I warn the Islamic Republic, its leader and the (Revolutionary Guard) that the world and (President Donald Trump) are closely watching you. Suppression of the people will not go unanswered.”He added after Thursday’s protests: “Iranians demanded their freedom tonight. In response, the regime in Iran has cut all lines of communication. It has shut down the Internet. It has cut landlines. It may even attempt to jam satellite signals.”Read more: Why are people protesting in Iran?
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Burning vehicles seen in Tehran in footage released on social media. Pic: Reuters
Internet blackoutThe internet blackout started late on Thursday, which extended into Friday, according to NetBlocks. The blackout also applied to international phone calls.The internet was shut down “to prevent the world from seeing the protests”, Holly Dagras, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, said.”Unfortunately, it also likely provided cover for security forces to kill protesters.”
The demonstrations, which began on 28 December, starting in Tehran with shopkeepers in the Grand Bazaar angered by a sharp slide in the rial currency.They have now spread, and are reported to have reached more than 280 locations in 27 of Iran’s 31 provinces.The Sky News Data and Forensics team has independently geolocated and verified video of protests in 19 provinces.
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Inside Iran’s protests
Sky News’ international correspondent John Sparks reported on Thursday how the demonstrations follow a collapse in the value of the Iranian currency and a period of prolonged hyperinflation.At the time of Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, $1 traded for 32,000 rials. On Tuesday, $1 was trading at 1.46 million rials – a new low – with no signs of slowing.Read more from Sky News:Federal agents shoot and injure two people in OregonLandfill collapse sends avalanche of rubbish into village
The economy has been badly damaged by US sanctions, along with mismanagement and corruption.Conditions further deteriorated after last year’s conflict with Israel.