Internet blackout in Iran as protests spread nationwide

Iran saw a nationwide internet blackout as protests over economic conditions enter its 12th day and continue to spread across the country.

Transcript

00:00Iran saw a total internet blackout as protests over economic conditions spread across the country.

00:07Crowds of protesters have been marching through the capital Tehran and other major cities

00:12in what is described as the largest show of force by opponents of the clerical establishment in years.

00:20The internet disruption was first reported by Internet Freedom Monitor netblocks.

00:25While the exact course remains unclear, Iranian authorities have repeatedly shut down internet access during periods of unrest in the past.

00:34In video footage from the protests, demonstrators can be heard calling for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

00:41and the return of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's Lashjah.

00:47The unrest has now entered its 12th consecutive day, filled by anger over the collapse of Iran's currency.

00:53Shopkeepers first took to the streets of Tehran on December 28th

00:57to express their anger at another sharp fall in the value of the riyal on the open market.

01:03Norway-based monitor Iran Human Rights said at least 45 protesters, including eight children,

01:09have been killed by security forces so far.

01:12Norway-based monitor Iran Human Rights said at least 45 protesters,