Iran witnessed at least 116 protests across 22 provinces in a single day, despite a nationwide internet shutdown imposed by the authorities, according to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The policy research organisation said it recorded the protests since 3:30 pm local time on January 8, noting that 20 of them were large-scale demonstrations involving more than 1,000 participants each.
In a post on X, the Institute said the actual scale of protests is likely higher, as the internet blackout has restricted protesters’ ability to share videos and information. It added that some demonstrators reportedly used Starlink satellite internet to send footage and reports to foreign media.
Earlier, the Institute said the Iranian regime has maintained the nationwide internet shutdown in an attempt to disrupt protest coordination and obscure the extent of repression. However, protest activity has continued across the country despite these restrictions.
The report further stated that the protests may have expanded to a level that is straining the capacity of Iranian security forces. Protesters reportedly damaged government institutions in several cities on January 8 and 9, and the regime may increasingly rely on the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps as local law enforcement faces operational limitations.
Prominent Iranian journalist and activist Masih Alinejad said the internet has been shut down for more than 24 hours, affecting nearly 90 million people. Sharing videos she said were sent via Starlink, she credited the satellite service with playing a crucial role in enabling communication during the protests.
Meanwhile, internet monitoring group NetBlocks said the nationwide blackout had crossed 36 hours, severely limiting Iranians’ ability to communicate and check on the safety of family and friends.
World leaders on Saturday condemned the reported killings and arrests of protesters. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada and the European Union praised the courage of Iranian citizens and criticised the regime’s crackdown on demonstrators. (ANI)
