Iran hit by nationwide internet blackout as economic protests intensify
Tehran: Iran experienced a nationwide internet blackout on Thursday due to protests over a deepening economic crisis, according to online monitoring group NetBlocks. The group said the disruption followed a series of escalating digital restrictions intented to curb protests and limited public communication at a critical moment.
Demonstrations have spread across several Iranian cities since late December, driven by anger over rising living costs and devaluation of the national currency. The unrest resulted in at least 21 people reported killed since the protests began, according to figures compiled by AFP based on local media and official statements.
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Reporting from Tehran early on Friday, Al Jazeera correspondent Tohid Asadi said thousands of people gathered across multiple neighbourhoods of the capital from around 8 pm local time on Thursday. He said several streets were blocked and clashes erupted between protesters and police, with chants and slogans directed against the political establishment echoing through parts of the city. Asadi noted that economic pressure had eroded public confidence, particularly among working and lower middle-class families struggling to meet daily expenses.
Iranian authorities have issued mixed signals in response to the unrest. President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged restraint in handling the protests, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier this week said rioters must be “put in their place”. Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei accused demonstrators of acting in coordination with the United States and Israel and warned that there would be no leniency for those accused of creating insecurity.
International concern has also mounted. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for steps to prevent further loss of life and urged Iranian authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. His spokesperson said individuals must be allowed to protest peacefully and voice their grievances.
Human rights group Amnesty International said on Tuesday that security forces raided Imam Khomeini Hospital in the western city of Ilam, firing tear gas, damaging property and assaulting people inside, while attempting to detain injured protesters. The organisation called on Iranian authorities to halt the unlawful use of force, stop arbitrary arrests in hospitals, ensure medical care for the injured and respect the neutrality of healthcare facilities.
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Worker’s body reaches Ranchi from Saudi 4 months after death; family rejects over compensation
Ranchi (PTI): The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in an alleged crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a bullet injury case, the matter is before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation may depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and coordination was done with district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for migrant’s deaths abroad. The compensation payment might take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The Family members said they will only accept it if the company provides written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
