As the Iranian government continues its crackdown on nationwide protests, a BBC correspondent has reported from the Iranian-Armenian border, where the impact of the unfolding crisis is being keenly felt.
Hugo Bachega, the BBC’s Middle East correspondent, has painted a picture of anger and frustration among those attempting to cross the border into Armenia, as the internet shutdown ordered by Iranian authorities severely disrupts daily life and communication.
The protests, which were initially sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody, have now entered their fifth week. Amini’s death has become a rallying cry for wider grievances against Iran’s authoritarian government and the strict social controls it imposes, particularly on women.
In his report, Bachega describes the chaos at the border crossing, where people are struggling to navigate the disruption caused by the internet blackout. “There’s a lot of anger and frustration here,” he says, as individuals recount the difficulties they are facing in contacting loved ones or accessing essential services.
The internet shutdown, which has been widely condemned by human rights groups, appears to be an attempt by the Iranian government to restrict the flow of information and images from the protests. However, this tactic has only served to exacerbate the sense of isolation and helplessness felt by many Iranians.
One individual interviewed by Bachega, a woman named Maryam, expresses her despair at the situation. “We can’t contact our families, we can’t work, we can’t do anything,” she says. “It’s like we’re living in the dark ages.”
The impact of the internet blackout is not limited to the border region, as the disruption is being felt across Iran. Businesses, healthcare providers, and educational institutions have all been affected, further compounding the challenges faced by a population already grappling with economic hardship and political repression.
As the protests continue, the Iranian government’s heavy-handed response has drawn widespread international condemnation. The United States and European Union have imposed sanctions on Iranian officials and entities involved in the crackdown, while calls for accountability and respect for human rights grow louder.
Bachega’s report from the Iranian-Armenian border serves as a poignant reminder of the human toll of the crisis, as ordinary Iranians struggle to navigate the chaos and uncertainty that has enveloped their country. The ongoing struggle for freedom and dignity in Iran shows no signs of abating, and the world continues to watch with a mix of concern and solidarity.
