Iran bans Instagram, Telegram amid protests
Iran has moved to ban Instagram and Telegram following four days of anti-establishment protests which were reportedly organized through social media. According to media reports, the "temporary restrictions" have been imposed to "maintain tranquility." Meanwhile, President Hassan Rouhani has stated that citizens don't have the right to cause disorder. The protests have been dubbed the biggest expression of dissent that Iran has witnessed post-2009.
What has happened so far?
The protests began in north-eastern Iran as a manifestation of people's resentment over rising prices and economic hardship. It turned political in many places with the public's fury being directed against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Rouhani. Speaking to his cabinet on the protests, Rouhani stated that the citizens were free to criticize and protest, but not to cause social disorder.
Violent clashes break out in several locations
The protests turned violent in multiple locations including the capital city of Tehran where police reportedly used water canons against the protesters. Two protesters reportedly died from gunshot wounds in Dorud situated in west Iran. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned the protesters stating that they will have to face the government's "iron fist" if the situation continues.
Responses to the protest
Iran has blamed anti-revolutionaries and foreign agencies for triggering the protests. While reformists within Iran have stressed on people's right to freedom of expression, conservatives have highlighted economic problems. In support of the protesters US President Donald Trump tweeted that Iranians were finally "getting wise as to how their wealth was being stolen and squandered on terrorism."
