36 KILLED IN IRAN’S PROTESTS IN TWO DAYS AS REGIME DISRUPT INTERNET ACCESS (VIDEOS)

Mon 18 November 2019:

Thirty-six people have died since protests erupted across Iran, according to Radio Farda, while the Iranian opposition reported earlier that 27 people were killed during these protests.

Al Arabiya and Al Hadath television sources reported that the Iranian security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters in Martyrs’ square in the capital, Tehran, while protests were reported across the country under a unified slogan: “The gasoline uprising.”

Fars news agency also reported that 1,000 protesters across the Islamic Republic were detained during the last 48 hours, while 100 banks had been torched.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Sunday backed the gasoline price rise that has caused nationwide protests, which he blamed on the Islamic Republic’s opponents and foreign foes.

“Some people are no doubt worried by this decision … but sabotage and arson are done by hooligans, not our people,” the Iranian Supreme Leader said in a live speech on state TV.

Some Iranian lawmakers, who planned to discuss ways to force the government to revise its decision, withdrew their motion after Khamenei’s Sunday speech, Iran’s state media reported.

Iran’s Intelligence Ministry said in a statement reported by the Tasnim news agency that the protest leaders had been identified and “appropriate action” was being taken.

“People have the right to protest. But that is different from riots. We cannot let insecurity in the country through riots,” Iran’s Hassan Rouhani said.

Internet Shutdown

The government shut down internet access across the nation of 80 million people to staunch demonstrations that took place in a reported 100 cities and towns. That made it increasingly difficult to gauge whether unrest continued. Images published by state and semiofficial media showed the scale of the damage in images of burned gas stations and banks, torched vehicles and roadways littered with debris.

Since the price hike, demonstrators have abandoned cars along major highways and joined mass protests in the capital, Tehran, and elsewhere. Some protests turned violent, with demonstrators setting fires as gunfire rang out.

Iran imposed petrol rationing and raised pump prices by at least 50 percent on Friday, saying the move was aimed at helping citizens in need with cash handouts. Anti-government protests have erupted in over 93 Iranian cities since the decision was announced.

In the meantime, the Iranian National Security Council approved a draft law to regulate fuel consumption and called on parliament to take the necessary measures to control and supervise gasoline prices so as not to harm the people, according to the Mehr news agency.

Protests have intensified and spread to more than 100 Iranian cities and territories. Iranintl.com reported that a large number of cars blocked the highway in Tehran on Sunday.

Protesters in the central city of Isfahan set ablaze a police station on Sunday.

Iran has almost completely shut off access to the internet across the country as protests over an increase in fuel prices intensified for the second day, cybersecurity NGO Netblocks confirmed in a report.

Despite the nationwide internet blackout, Iranian activists on Twitter have been taking to the social media platform to share videos and updates on the demonstrations, triggered by fuel rationing and price hikes.

Glad that protesters have their eye on justice even as they’re escaping violence! The way forward is supporting the rule of law. Trials not summary executions are what breaks a cycle of retributive violence. Well done to this man & his recognition that Khamenei should be tried ?? https://t.co/vVVrcjRZTK

— Gissou Nia/ گیسو نیا (@GissouNia) November 16, 2019

 Videos circulating on social media from the city of Eslamshahr, showed Iranian protesters burning a picture for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and chanting “Death to the dictator.”

Nov 17 – Karaj, west of Tehran, #Iran
Heydarabad district
Protesters are taking control over their streets and districts.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/KwqDWAXIU6

— Heshmat Alavi (@HeshmatAlavi) November 17, 2019

Nov 17 – Tehran, #Iran
Protesters torch a bus belonging to the regime’s anti-riot forces.

Reports from Fardis near Karaj (west of Tehran) indicate people are taking over various areas & many administrative buildings have been torched.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/iLgneikg3l

— Heshmat Alavi (@HeshmatAlavi) November 17, 2019

Nov 17 – Karaj, west of Tehran, #Iran
Protesters forcing the regime’s forces to flee.
Brave Iranians are taking control over their cities from the mullahs’ regime.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/WOnb4QmeAu

— Heshmat Alavi (@HeshmatAlavi) November 17, 2019

Nov 17 – Tehran, #Iran
Kianshahr district
Protesters have set ablaze to the local Bank Maskan (Housing) branch.

My take:
This is not just about gasoline prices.
The Iranian people have risen to topple the mullahs’ regime.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/aECAEIZAXr

— Heshmat Alavi (@HeshmatAlavi) November 17, 2019

Nov 17 – Tabriz, NW #Iran
Tabriz University students chanting:
“No fear! We’re all together!”
“College students! Workers! Unite, Unite!”#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/Ory9qXArZ1

— Heshmat Alavi (@HeshmatAlavi) November 17, 2019

#BREAKING
Nov 17 – Mariwan, W #Iran
Reports indicate clashes between armed individuals and local security forces. Two members of the regime’s forces are reportedly killed.#IranProtests

Video-Massive rally in Sanandaj, W Iran. Security forces attacking demonstrators. pic.twitter.com/azGllKTTV4

— Heshmat Alavi (@HeshmatAlavi) November 17, 2019

According to Al Arabiya, authorities closed the metro in Tehran and Isfahan to prevent the movement of protesters. Fars news agency said 60 buses and five metro stations were damaged during the Isfahan protests.

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