"Just after 8 p.m. Thursday, Iran's theocracy pulled the plug and disconnected the Islamic Republic's 85 million people from the rest of the world. Following a playbook used both in demonstrations and in war, Iran severed the internet connections and telephone lines that connect its people to the vast diaspora in the United States, Europe and elsewhere. Until now, even while facing strict sanctions over the country's nuclear program, Iranians still could access mobile phone apps."
"Thursday's decision sharply limits people from sharing images and witness accounts of the nationwide protests over Iran's ailing economy that have grown to pose the biggest challenge to the government in years. It also could provide cover for a violent crackdown after the Trump administration warned Iran's government about consequences for further deaths among demonstrators. As the country effectively goes dark, loved ones abroad are frantic for any scrap of news."
Just after 8 p.m., Iran disconnected nationwide internet and telephone services, isolating roughly 85 million people from international communications. The shutdown cut ties to the global Iranian diaspora in the United States, Europe and elsewhere. The blackout sharply limited sharing of images and eyewitness accounts of nationwide protests driven by an ailing economy. The communications cut could provide cover for a violent crackdown amid warnings from foreign governments and internal rhetoric treating protesters as enemies. The shutdown followed prior national blackouts and disrupted families abroad seeking information about loved ones amid reports of injuries and deaths. Even satellite services like Starlink appear likely jammed, further constraining outside access.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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