Internet blackout imposed across Iran as protests intensify

TEHRAN: The Islamic Republic of Iran is once again in the grip of a severe crisis, with economic collapse bringing people to the streets.

Internet monitoring group Netblocks confirmed that a nationwide internet blackout has been in effect in Iran since Thursday evening, in what appears to be the government’s last-ditch effort to quell the protests.

The blackout came as protests intensified, with hundreds of thousands of people blocking roads and chanting anti-regime slogans in cities across the country, including Tehran.

Qatar News Agency reporter Tohid Asadi reported from Tehran that several neighborhoods in the capital took to the streets from 8pm on Thursday.

Several roads were blocked as they passed through central areas of the city, with clashes between police and protesters and strong slogans against the political leadership.