vIndianz.com (Dec, 06, 2009) — Internet access in Tehran was almost entirely unavailable on Saturday, two days prior to planned demonstrations in the Iranian capital by opponents of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Sources close to Iran’s technical services told AFP the cut was the effect of “a decision by the authorities” rather than a technical crash. Telecommunications ministry officials were busy for any remarks.
The internet, SMS text messaged and at times even mobile phone connections have regularly been cut or jumbled ever since Mr Ahmadinejad’s contested re-election in June.
However Saturday’s disturbance was the first such incidence a full two days ahead of planned protests.
Iranian opposition groups are preparing and to hold new demonstrations on Monday, a number of websites have reported. The influential Revolutionary Guards and other authorities have warned they will take strong action on any effort by government opponents to take control of an annual event to mount additional protests against Mr Ahmadinejad.
On Dec 7 each year, Tehran marks the 1953 killing by the Shah’s security forces of three students; just months after a US-backed coup toppled the prime minister, Mohammad Mossadeq.
Further Reading- Iranian Dissident Says Planned March Will Test Regime – New York Times
- US backs Iran protests as government calls for executions – Christian Science Monitor
- Iran regime to hit back with ‘hate rally’ as protests continue – Times of India
- Attack on Iranian nuclear scientists prompts hit squad claims – The Guardian
- Egypt suffers a loss of $90 mn owing to Internet blockage – Economic Times
- Bahrain and Iran expel diplomats – BBC News
- Police Break Up Protest in Iran – New York Times
- Two years after Iran’s marred election, hard-liners anything but triumphant – Christian Science Monitor
- Defiant Iran plans big rise in nuclear enrichment – Reuters
- ElBaradei warns that Egypt protests could turn more violent – Reuters Canada
Stay updated! Follow us on twitter and subscribe to our feed via Feedburner.
No Comments