Iran has announced that some university professors will regain access to the international internet, even as the broader public endures a nationwide blackout that has now lasted over 50 days. The Iranian science ministry stated on April 19 that internet access for academics would commence with professors, with other researchers to follow. Officials confirmed that the names of eligible professors have been forwarded to the communications ministry for a gradual reconnection. While certain professional groups have also either regained or are close to regaining access, authorities have remained silent regarding a timeline for reconnecting ordinary citizens. Currently, the only group widely known to possess “white SIM cards”—a term for specially privileged mobile access—consists of a limited number of government supporters who can utilize the internet. With Iran’s digital shutdown exceeding 1,200 hours, critics argue that most ordinary Iranians are unable to generate online income or communicate with relatives via internet-based applications.
In a separate development, the head of Iran’s judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, has once again instructed courts to process detainees’ cases “outside the normal process” and with increased urgency. In a recently released video, Ejei emphasized that cases involving alleged collaborators with the “aggressor enemy” should bypass ordinary procedures. He declared that the judiciary has adopted a “wartime posture,” urging officials to expedite file returns and, when necessary, interrogate suspects in prison to accelerate indictments. Since the recent escalation of tensions, state media have reported daily arrests of alleged spies and traitors, while human rights organizations have expressed serious concerns over executions and swift trials. Reports have also surfaced detailing “online trials” and the issuance of rapid verdicts within the country.
#IranInternetBlackout #IranianJudiciary #InternetAccessIran #HumanRightsIran #AcademicFreedom #DigitalRights #IranNews #Censorship #ExpeditedTrials #IranProtests
