NetBlocks: Mobile Internet Disruption Continues Following Protests in Khuzestan

NetBlocks, which monitors internet restrictions worldwide, confirmed on Wednesday, July 20, the continuation of significant mobile internet disruptions in Iran’s Khuzestan province.

NetBlocks announced that network data indicates a significant regional disruption in mobile internet services in Iran, which began on Thursday, July 15, following widespread protests over water shortage in Khuzestan province and continues to persist.

Previously, users on social media networks had reported internet disruptions in Khuzestan.

During the November 2019 protests, coinciding with severe crackdowns on demonstrators, mobile internet was cut off or disrupted in most parts of Iran.

November 2019 coincided with widespread popular protests that initially were a reaction to a sudden surge in gasoline prices, but quickly shifted direction and targeted the Islamic Republic government.

These protests were met with severe and violent crackdowns that resulted in hundreds of deaths.

Iran’s Interior Minister stated that between 200 and 225 people were killed in these protests, but Amnesty International, by announcing the details of at least 304 victims, emphasized that the number of deaths may be much higher than this figure.

Reuters news agency also reported the death toll from these protests at least 1,500 people, and quoted “three sources close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei” and “a fourth official” as saying that the leader of the Islamic Republic told senior government officials to do “whatever is necessary to stop” the protests.

Source: Radio Farda