Internet Blackout in Iran on the Eve of 2019 Protest Anniversary

Iran International reported that social media users in some parts of Iran are experiencing internet disruptions as the anniversary of the 2019 protests approaches. The protests began in Ahvaz on the evening of November 15, 2019, before spreading to over fifty cities following the government's announcement of a 300% increase in gasoline prices. During the November 2019 protests, Iranian security forces and the Revolutionary Guard used unprecedented violence to suppress them, killing at least 1,500 protesters, including women and children, and injuring and arresting thousands within a week, according to human rights organizations. During those protests, authorities cut off the internet and imposed strict censorship on news regarding the repression of protesting citizens. It is noted that an international people's court was established to investigate the killings and injuries of thousands of Iranian citizens during the November 2019 protests and to prosecute those responsible. The court will begin investigating crimes against humanity committed by Iranian officials, including Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the regime, and Ebrahim Raisi, the President, accused of ordering the violent and bloody repression against Iranian protesters. The court was formed at the request of three human rights organizations: "Justice for Iran," based in London, the "Iranian Human Rights Organization" in Oslo, and the international organization "Together Against the Death Penalty" in France, in response to requests from the victims' families.