Iran Protests: Internet Blackout Might Indicate More Extensive Violence Against Protestors

Protests started on Friday following a government decision to increase the petrol prices. Security forces have used extensive violence against protesters, killing some, and arresting hundreds. The authorities have cut off the internet since early Saturday. 
Iran Human Rights (IHR) condemns internet blackout and violent crackdown of protesters by the Iranian authorities and calls on the international community to react immediately. 
IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said, “Total internet blackout might indicate the Iranian authorities’ plans to use even more violence against the protesters. We urge the international community, especially the EU, to use all their leverage to put pressure on the Iranian government to stop the violent crackdown.”
According to  Fars News Agency, close to IRGC, more than 1000 protesters have been arrested in more than 100 cities in Iran. There are no confirmed reports about the number of people killed but some say tens of protesters might have been killed by the security forces. The authorities have so far confirmed the death of two protesters in Sirjan (Kerman Province) and Shahriar (Tehran Province). The man who was killed in Sirjan was identified in social media as Javad Nazari Fathabadi.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei confirmed Sunday that protesters have been killed. However, he insisted on his support to the government’s decision, not the people’s will.