Protests sweep Iran despite internet shutdown as state TV warns of casualties

"DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Iranian protesters shouted and marched through the streets into Friday morning after a call by the country's exiled crown prince for demonstrations, despite Iran's theocracy cutting off the nation from the internet and international telephone calls. Short online videos shared by activists purported to show protesters chanting against Iran's government around bonfires as debris littered the streets in the capital, Tehran, and other areas."

"It also said there were "casualties," without elaborating. The full scope of the demonstrations couldn't be immediately determined due to the communications blackout, though it represented yet another escalation in protests that began over Iran's ailing economy and that has morphed into the most significant challenge to the government in several years. The protests have intensified steadily since beginning Dec. 28."

"Demonstrations have included cries in support of the shah, something that could bring a death sentence in the past but now underlines the anger fueling the protests that began over Iran's ailing economy. So far, violence around the demonstrations has killed at least 42 people while more than 2,270 others have been detained, said the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency."

Iranian protesters marched and shouted through Tehran and other cities into Friday morning after exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called for demonstrations, despite a nationwide internet blackout. Online videos showed chanting around bonfires and streets littered with debris. Iranian state media accused "terrorist agents" of the U.S. and Israel of setting fires and reported casualties. The communications blackout prevented full assessment, while unrest which began Dec. 28 has steadily intensified and become the most significant challenge to the government in years. At least 42 people have been killed and more than 2,270 detained, according to Human Rights Activists News Agency. Protests included support for the shah and tested Pahlavi's ability to sway public sentiment.

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