{"id":3688,"date":"2026-05-01T08:55:57","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T08:55:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpiran.org\/english\/?p=3688"},"modified":"2026-05-01T08:55:57","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T08:55:57","slug":"pensioners-protest-internet-shutdown-sparks-backlash-anti-execution-campaign-grows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpiran.org\/english\/pensioners-protest-internet-shutdown-sparks-backlash-anti-execution-campaign-grows\/","title":{"rendered":"Pensioners protest, internet shutdown sparks backlash, anti-execution campaign grows"},"content":{"rendered":"

Steel pensioners are protesting the termination of their health insurance, while anger is growing over internet shutdowns that are deepening economic crisis and repression. At the same time, the \u201cNo to Executions Tuesdays\u201d campaign continues inside prisons, backed by a global movement.<\/em><\/p>\n

From workplaces to prisons and internationally, resistance is growing\u2014against repression, executions, and the regime itself:\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pensioners protest, internet shutdown sparks backlash, anti-execution campaign grows<\/strong><\/p>\n

30 April 2026<\/p>\n

Steel pensioners protest loss of health insurance<\/strong><\/p>\n

On Wednesday, 30 April, a group of steel industry pensioners in Isfahan gathered in front of the governor\u2019s office to protest the termination of their health insurance. At the same time, steel pensioners in Tehran rallied outside the Steel Pension Fund building, demanding the restoration of their insurance coverage.<\/p>\n

According to the pensioners, their contract with Atieh Sazan Hafez expired at the start of the year. It was temporarily extended under wartime conditions until the end of April, but for the past nine days they have been left without supplementary medical insurance. Protests are ongoing.<\/p>\n

Widespread opposition to internet shutdowns<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Islamic Republic continues to carry out repression under the cover of internet shutdowns. This policy has also inflicted heavy damage on the already collapsing economy, leading to mass unemployment.<\/p>\n

Protests against these shutdowns\u2014and against the introduction of tiered or restricted internet access\u2014are growing. Statements have been issued by nurses, journalists, teachers, lawyers, and other sectors.<\/p>\n

The Tehran E-Commerce Association, in a statement titled \u201cInternet shutdowns take us back to the Stone Age,\u201d<\/em> condemned over 100 days of disruptions and their devastating impact on the economy. The statement emphasised that internet access is a basic right and must not be restricted or distributed unequally under any pretext.<\/p>\n

A broad wave of protest is now emerging across different professions and social organisations.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo to Executions Tuesdays\u201d campaign continues<\/strong><\/p>\n

On Tuesday, 29 April, the \u201cNo to Executions Tuesdays\u201d campaign marked its 118th week, continuing across 56 prisons despite wartime conditions and repression. News of the protest spread despite internet shutdowns.<\/p>\n

At the same time, a global campaign against executions, imprisonment, and internet shutdowns concluded on 28 April. According to organisers, this unprecedented international mobilisation was supported by nearly 175 political and social organisations inside and outside Iran, with dozens of actions held worldwide.<\/p>\n

The campaign focused on three key demands:<\/p>\n