Iranian authorities have conducted a brutal crackdown on protest activity; however, this has not diminished the serious implications of the economic crisis affecting a large portion of the Iranian Public.
The Internet and Telephone Communication Were Cut Off
Due to a total blackout of both the internet and telephone networks, many families in the United States and Europe are having a difficult time connecting with their loved ones back home. The emotional toll of not being able to contact or check up on family members’ safety while the protests were taking place, and knowing they may be at risk, is enormous for Iranian students studying abroad.
Eyewitnesses to the Protests
Although eyewitness accounts are scarce due to the blackout, there are several accounts of people’s experiences during the protests. Eyewitnesses described feeling chaos in their communities and that armed forces were firing on protesters in what they believed was a “full‑on war.”
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Personal Loss and Grieving
Many individual stories have emerged regarding personal losses as a result of the protests. One example is the case of Reza Ghanbari, a 17‑year‑old boy killed during the protests in Kermanshah. The family refused to listen to government pressure to provide false information regarding the circumstances of his death.
General Effects of the Internet Shutdown
The Internet Blackout prevented any news from circulating while also isolating members of society by not allowing them access to communicate with others about what occurred. As such, people were unable to connect with family members or other individuals. As people continue to deal with the effects of this event, the growing visibility of these protests continues to create more confusion for many families.
