Iranian Opposition Kept Off Guard Ahead of 1979 Celebrations

Communication services disrupted ahead of 1979 anniversary celebration as opposition activists call for peaceful demos

09 February 2010

Demonstrators shout slogans and hold portraits of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (C) and founder of the Islamic republic Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (2nd L) during a protest outside the Italian embassy in Tehran, 09 Feb 2009

With two days to go before the anniversary celebration of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, authorities are slowing the internet and disrupting mobile phone service in what is believed to be an effort to disrupt opposition protests. A top religious leader is also urging Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei to release prisoners.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei boasts about the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution on state TV, two days tbefore the official celebration. Meanwhile, on several Web sites, Iran's opposition is urging supporters to turn out for a "peaceful anti-government protest."

Observers inside Iran say the government is disrupting vital communications links, including the internet and mobile-phone service in an effort to keep the opposition off guard. Opposition activists sometimes rely on text messages and the internet to coordinate demonstrations.

Several days ago, Iran's Communications Minister Reza Taghipour claimed internet speeds had been reduced "due to damage to Iran's fiber-optic network." He also promised that repairs would be made "by next week."