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Iran restricts social media and issues stern warning to protesters



Iran restricted access to several social media apps Sunday and warned that anti-government protesters who cause public disorder will "pay the price" after three days of demonstrations across the country.
Instagram and Telegram have been temporarily "restricted" in order to ensure calm and security, state-run media outlet IRIB reported Sunday.
Social media has been vital resource for Iranians participating in the protests -- described as the largest public display of discontent since the 2009 Green Movement in Iran.
While independent media coverage from inside the country has been limited, protesters have used apps like Telegram, which offers public channels for users in addition to encrypted messaging, to share information and videos of protests and clashes. Official media outlets have provided few details about the protests.
Telegram's CEO tweeted that Iranian authorities had blocked access to Telegram for "the majority of Iranians" after the company refused to shut down peaceful protesting channels.
Earlier on Sunday, the Iranian Interior Minister Rahmani Fazli issued a stern warning that protesters will "pay the price" after the demonstrations turned deadly. He said the misuse of social networks by some individuals "are causing violence and fear," and that "such behavior will be smashed," according to IRNA, Iran's official news agency.

CNN was able to contact users in Iran through the Telegram app following the announcements. The app was slower than usual but messages eventually got through.
The demonstrations, which have erupted against a backdrop of rising food and gasoline prices, began Thursday in the northeastern city of Mashhad before spreading to other cities. They include Tehran, Kermanshah, Arak, Qazvin, Khorramabad, Karaj and Sabzevar, according to IRNA, citing First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri. Protests were ongoing Sunday, according to videos circulating on social media posts that originated in Tehran and Dorud.
"The events and occurrences of the last few days have preoccupied, saddened and hurt our beloved people," semi-official news agency ILNA quoted Fazli as saying, before adding "those who destroy public properties, create chaos, lawlessness and insecurity in our society, will be held legally responsible and must answer for their behaviors and pay the price for it."
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is expected to speak in a pre-recorded address to the country Sunday, according to semi-official news agency ISNA.
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