Regime shutdowns of the Internet often signal the start of a harsher crackdown on Iranian protests.
Crown Prince of Iran Reza Pahlavi On Wednesday night it repeated its call for nationwide protests across Iran, calling on demonstrators to maintain their presence on the streets and warning that the regime could try to cut off access to the internet to quell unrest.
In a message posted on social media, Pahlavi said public participation across Iran earlier in the day was “unprecedented,” calling it a signal of readiness for the next round of protests planned for Thursday evening.
“My compatriots, today, Wednesday, January 7, your presence in Iran was unprecedented,” Pahlavi wrote. “And this represents a declaration of readiness for the plan for tomorrow.”
The Prince referred to his previous call for coordinated chants and demonstrations at 8pm on Thursday, January 8, with additional protests planned for 24 hours later, adding that reports indicate that Islamic Republic was “deeply scared” and was considering another nationwide internet shutdown.
“Know that our communication will not be interrupted,” Pahlavi said, pointing to alternative channels including satellite Internet access and Iran-based Persian-language television networks operating from abroad.
Regime Shutting Down Internet Signals Harsher Repression Begins
He warned that any attempt by the regime to cut off access to the Internet would only strengthen the protest movement.
“If the regime makes such a mistake and shuts down the Internet, that in itself will be another call to continue your presence and take over the streets,” he wrote. “In this way, you will hammer another nail into the coffin of this regime.”
Regime shutdowns of the Internet often signal the start of a harsher crackdown on Iranian protests. The Islamic Republic has previously imposed near-total internet blackouts during periods of unrest, including during the November 2019 protests and the 2022 demonstrations following the death Mahsa Amini.
Pahlavi ended his message with a note of confidence in the dynamics of the protest movement, saying: “You will win. Long live Iran.”
The statement followed Pahlavi's first direct appeal. Wednesday's call for coordinated protestsin which he called on Iranians to gather in large and disciplined groups and urged Iranian security forces to refrain from shooting at demonstrators and instead “return to the arms of the nation.”
Since protests began on December 28, at least 36 people have been killed, including two security forces, and demonstrations have taken place in multiple cities across the country. According to reports, more than 2,000 people have been arrested.
