Film-makers say Iran's internet blackout is a tool of repression

Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof said Iranian authorities cut internet and phone services to limit communication during widespread protests, and artists in the diaspora have publicly voiced support for demonstrators.

Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof issued a joint statement condemning an internet and phone blackout in Iran, describing it as a tool of repression amid large street protests. Panahi was sentenced in absentia last month and Rasoulof lives in exile after leaving Iran in 2024 while appealing a sentence. The filmmakers said internal and external communication routes were cut and that such measures have been used to limit information about what is happening on the ground. A number of Iranian diaspora artists and public figures have posted messages of solidarity with demonstrators. Key points: - The statement was issued by Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof, who say authorities cut internet, mobile and landline services. - Panahi was recently sentenced in absentia and Rasoulof is living in exile after leaving Iran in 2024. - The filmmakers said the communications blackout hinders contact inside the country and with the outside world and can limit reporting on protest events. - Several diaspora artists and public figures have used social media and hashtags to express support for demonstrators. Summary: The filmmakers say the communications blackout has reduced the ability of people inside Iran to communicate and limited outside reporting, and members of the Iranian diaspora have publicly supported the protests. Undetermined at this time.