The United States has imposed sanctions on Iran’s communications minister for his role in widescale internet censorship, a reference to a five-day-long nationwide shutdown meant to help stifle protests against fuel price hikes by Tehran.
According to a statement, from the Department of the Treasury, the sanctions imposed on Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi would block, and freeze, any of his property under US jurisdiction, adding that US regulations generally prohibit dealings by Americans, or those transiting the US, in such property.
The internet blockage, which Iran said had begun to roll back, made it difficult for protesters to post videos on social media to generate support and also to obtain reliable reports on the extent of the unrest.
Amnesty International said more than one hundred people were killed in demonstrations.
Report says a large number of people arrested who had taken part in the protests but did not take part in causing damage or setting fires have been released.
Iranian authorities say about one hundred thousand total demonstrators have been arrested.
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