**
In a striking appeal for change, Yousef Pezeshkian, son of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, has urged the Iranian authorities to lift the ongoing internet restrictions, which have been in place during a period of escalating protests. His comments reflect a growing internal debate among Iranian leadership regarding the implications of continued digital blackouts, as the nation grapples with the fallout from violent state crackdowns that have resulted in significant casualties.
Call for Connectivity
Yousef Pezeshkian’s call comes amid a critical moment for the Iranian government, which faces mounting pressure to address public discontent. In a recent Telegram post, he asserted that maintaining the internet blackout would only exacerbate dissatisfaction among the populace. “This means those who were not and are not dissatisfied will be added to the list of the dissatisfied,” he stated, emphasising that the eventual release of images and videos depicting the regime’s violent response to protests is inevitable.
Pezeshkian’s remarks highlight a rift within the Iranian leadership, where discussions about the political ramifications of internet access are intensifying. He cautioned that prolonging the digital shutdown would not resolve the underlying issues; instead, it would merely delay the inevitable reckoning with the government’s actions. “Shutting down the internet will not solve anything; we will just postpone the issue,” he added.
The Human Cost of Crackdowns
As the internet restrictions slowly ease, the painful reality of the protests’ toll is becoming clearer. Rights organisations have reported thousands of deaths, with estimates suggesting that the final casualty count could reach as high as 25,000, according to the Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights. Eyewitness accounts and hospital reports detail the harrowing conditions, as emergency surgeries for injuries sustained during protests have overwhelmed medical facilities. Dr Ghasem Fakhraei, director of Farabi Eye Hospital in Tehran, revealed that they have treated over 1,000 patients needing urgent eye surgeries since the protests erupted.
The brutal crackdown has also drawn condemnation from various quarters. Prominent Sunni cleric Molavi Abdolhamid referred to the events of January as an “organised massacre,” further fuelling public outrage and calls for accountability.
Economic Deterioration and Public Discontent
The economic landscape in Iran is deteriorating, exacerbated by the internet shutdown, which is estimated to cost the country around $20 million (£15 million) daily. With the rial’s value plummeting against the dollar and inflation surpassing 42%, economic instability is fuelling the protests. Despite some shops reopening, reports indicate that trade remains sluggish, and the Central Bank’s recent debt issuance saw only 15% subscription, indicating a deepening fiscal crisis.
As the stock market continues to decline, traders express frustration over their limited internet access, which hampers their ability to conduct business effectively. One trader lamented that the government only allows 20 minutes of supervised internet access daily, hardly sufficient for meaningful operations.
Government Divisions and the Future
The tension within the Iranian government regarding internet access is palpable, with President Pezeshkian and Communications Minister Sattar Hashemi advocating for a gradual return to normalcy, while others, such as Ali Larijani, head of the Supreme National Security Council, remain staunchly opposed. This internal discord reflects broader anxieties about the potential for renewed protests should connectivity be restored.
Reformist figures, like former Tehran mayor Gholamhossein Karbaschi, have also voiced concerns about the government’s efficacy, criticising its failure to address the mounting challenges. “The government in Iran is losing its original meaning,” he remarked, highlighting the disconnect between the administration and the people.
Why it Matters
The situation in Iran is emblematic of a broader struggle between governmental authority and popular dissent, underscored by the profound implications of digital connectivity in modern governance. The call from Yousef Pezeshkian to restore internet access is not merely about technology; it signifies a yearning for transparency, accountability, and a connection to the global narrative. As the regime grapples with the dual challenges of economic turmoil and public unrest, the potential for change hinges on its ability to engage with its citizens meaningfully. The unfolding events in Iran will likely serve as a critical case study for authoritarian regimes navigating the complexities of digital communication in an increasingly interconnected world.
