Internet Filtering

Due to restrictions on internet access by the government, over 45 million Iranian users need proxies or VPNs to access websites and communication platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, etc. Local sources report that demand for proxy and VPN has increased by 3000% over the past four months. This matter also added a considerable monthly cost for Iranians to access censor-free internet.

Not only did internet access restrictions disrupt users’ daily online activities, but also they affected small businesses dependent on the internet and online services. 

Because of this, there are also fewer news, videos, and photos from the streets of Iran these days.

Art Students’ Statement

Tehran Art University students showed their support and solidarity with the earlier strike of students and professors of the sculpture department. In their statement, they mentioned some of the brutal acts of authorities and university security agents against protesters. 

“After suspending several sculpture students, punishing the staff director, and banning 7 professors from teaching, now they are talking about suspending the whole semester. However, they don’t know that the collective power won’t bend to these threats.”

IRGC; A Terrorist Organization

On Thursday, January 19, the European Parliament will vote for a bill that asks member states to list the IRGC as a terrorist organization. Earlier this week, on Monday, over 12000 Iranians and their allies rallied for this vote in Strasbourg, France. 

Meanwhile, Ahmad Vahidi, the Islamic Republic’s minister of interior, mentioned that this vote is unimportant and would not disrupt IRGC activities. 

“The fact that western politicians are trying to list an official force as a terrorist organization shows their weakness in political and ethical strategies.” Said Vahidi.