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Iran permanently suspends Gmail, announces national e-mail service | Iran's telecommunications agency has announced that it has permanently suspended Google's e-mail services and plans to roll out a national e-mail service for Iranian citizens. The announced suspension of gmail
comes as Iranian authorities have deployed force across Tehran to conduct last-minute
security sweeps and warn residents to refrain from joining anti-government protests
planned for Thursday, the 31st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, Fox News
reports. According to reports, police have confiscated satellite dishes from residential
rooftops, and mobile phones are being searched, and in some cases, taken by patrolling
officials in certain areas of the capital where protests have erupted in the past.
Iranians have also reported widespread service disruptions of text messaging services.
Criticizing the Government over the move, State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley
said: "While information technologies are enabling people around the world to
communicate like never before, the Iranian government seems determined to deny
its citizens access to information, the ability to express themselves freely,
network and share ideas." "Virtual walls won't work in the 21st century any better
than physical walls worked in the 20th century. The Iranian people are dynamic
and determined and will find a way to overcome the obstacles the Iranian Government
puts in their way," he added. Iranian authorities tasked with upholding Islamic
values have also been scouring the streets, harassing people wearing green, the
trademark colour of the opposition, according to witness accounts posted on opposition
Web sites. The government typically orchestrates large, carnival-like rallies
and demonstrations to mark the February 11 anniversary of the Islamic Republic.
For this year's events, opposition leaders have called for protesters to demonstrate
against the regime. That has set the stage for clashes between authorities and
demonstrators, who have taken to the streets repeatedly to protest the outcome
of presidential elections in June. Government officials, meanwhile, ratcheted
up threats against any protests, vowing to confront demonstrators on the streets
and calling for government supporters to turn out in large numbers. |
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