Federation of Journalists: End Internet Shutdown in Iran
The World Federation of Journalists condemned the Islamic Republic’s efforts to cut off citizens’ communication lines and block the internet. The federation’s secretary-general said that internet shutdowns are becoming a tool for governments to silence media and people.
Anthony Bellanger, secretary-general of the International Federation of Journalists, called for lifting the internet blockade in Iran. In a statement released by the federation on Monday, November 18 (Aban 27), it stated: “Internet shutdowns are an attempt to cut off communications, restrict the flow of news, and silence media and journalists.”
In this statement, restricting citizens’ fundamental right to free access to information was condemned.
Anthony Bellanger, secretary-general of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), announced that 30 countries in 2019 made internet access impossible and shut down media outlets. He described this as a sign of “a global trend of controlling citizens’ media and internet access” and called on Iranian authorities to end the blockade of cyberspace and stop suppressing protesters and dissidents.
The internet in Iran was cut off at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, Aban 25, after street protests by citizens against gasoline price hikes escalated. On Sunday, it was announced that this action was taken by decision of the country’s National Security Council and would last only 24 hours. Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, Iran’s Communications Minister, acknowledged that internet shutdown has caused significant damage to services and people, but added that the National Security Council prioritizes maintaining security.
Azari Jahromi said that he himself is not allowed to use the internet and has been in contact with officials, including the Interior Ministry, to restore people’s access and reconnect the internet. Ali Rabiei, government spokesman, announced on Monday, Aban 27, the government’s effort to normalize internet by Tuesday.
The spokesman of the Technology Faction in parliament stated that many online businesses have shut down due to the internet cut, and this very action has fueled public dissatisfaction. Hamideh Zarabadi, representative of Qazvin and Abyek, reminded that lack of internet access has caused inflammation and stress among people and creates the feeling that the country is in turmoil.
Source: DW
