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NetBlocks says the apparent blackout follows \u2018a series of escalating digital censorship measures targeting protests\u2019.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Iran is experiencing a nationwide internet blackout, online monitoring group NetBlocks has said, amid escalating protests over a worsening economic crisis.<\/p>\n In a post on social media on Thursday, NetBlocks noted that the apparent blackout follows \u201ca series of escalating digital censorship measures targeting protests across the country and hinders the public\u2019s right to communicate at a critical moment\u201d.<\/p>\n list of 3 items<\/span>end of list<\/span><\/section>\n Protesters have taken to the streets in cities across Iran since late December amid anger over the soaring cost of living and the devaluation of the local currency.<\/p>\n At least 21 people, including security forces, have been killed since the demonstrations began, according to a tally by the AFP news agency, citing local media and official statements.<\/p>\n Reporting from Tehran early on Friday, Al Jazeera\u2019s Tohid Asadi said thousands of people took to the streets across the capital, starting at about 8pm local time (16:30 GMT) on Thursday.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat we saw was many more neighbourhoods in the Iranian capital coming to the streets. Several streets were blocked while I was driving from downtown,\u201d Asadi said, noting that confrontations took place between protesters and police.<\/p>\n \u201cWe heard chants \u2026 [and] slogans against the political establishment,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n \u201cWe know that the economic squeeze has eroded public confidence and [fuelled] dissatisfaction, particularly when it comes to working and lower middle classes, who are now finding themselves struggling to meet their everyday needs,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n The Iranian authorities have offered mixed messages in response to the unrest, with President Masoud Pezeshkian calling for \u201cutmost restraint\u201d in the handling of the demonstrations.<\/p>\n But earlier\u00a0this week,\u00a0Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said rioters must be \u201cput in their place\u201d.\u00a0The country\u2019s top judge also accused demonstrators of \u201coperating in line\u201d with the United States and Israel.<\/p>\n Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei said there would be no leniency for those who \u201ccreate insecurity\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cIf anyone comes into the streets for riots or to create insecurity, or supports them, then no excuse remains for them,\u201d he said. \u201cThe matter has become very clear and transparent. They are now operating in line with the enemies of the Islamic Republic of Iran.\u201d<\/p>\n United Nations chief Antonio Guterres this week underscored the need to prevent further protest-related casualties, his spokesperson told reporters.<\/p>\n \u201cHe also calls on the authorities to uphold the right of freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly,\u201d Stephane Dujarric said during a briefing on Monday.<\/p>\n \u201cAll individuals must be allowed to protest peacefully and express their grievances.\u201d<\/p>\n Iran last saw mass demonstrations in 2022 and 2023 after\u00a0the\u00a0death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly violating the country\u2019s strict dress code for women.<\/p>\n Amid the current wave of protests, rights groups also have accused the Iranian authorities of resorting to tactics including raiding hospitals to detain wounded protesters.<\/p>\nRecommended Stories <\/h2>\n