Protesters against the rising cost of gasoline have the right to protest, but within the framework of the law, Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli said and urged not to commit acts of vandalism and not violate public order, PressTV reported November 17.
According to him, the protesters created many problems for citizens in various cities: they organized pogroms in public places, spoiled public property and cars, blocked traffic, which caused drivers and pedestrians to be blocked for several hours.
“Law enforcement agencies have so far shown restraint and tolerated protests. But since peace and security of people are our priority, they will fulfill their duty to establish order if private and public property continue to be attacked,” Reuters quoted the minister as saying.
Against the backdrop of the protests on Saturday, according to the service, Iran turned off access to the Internet in almost all places where it is available. The system recorded interruptions with both fixed and mobile communications in several cities, including Tehran, writes RBC.
The largest operators, including MCI, Rightel and IranCell, had problems with the Internet from 6 p.m. local time “as protests intensified,” according to a NetBlocks report.
It was previously reported that Iranian police used firearms against protesters. Eyewitnesses claimed the death of two people.