Iranian authorities have restricted residents’ internet access in response to protests that have recently escalated across the country that have seen about 17 people killed by authorities. The unrest was sparked last week when 22yo Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini died in custody after she was arrested by morality police in Tehran for not wearing her hijab correctly. Amini’s death – which police deny involvement in – has sparked public anger about human rights in the Islamic republic and other issues like economic hardship. Also in the spotlight is the plight of Iran’s Kurdish ethnic minority – the protests began in Iran’s Kurdish-populated northwestern regions before growing into the country’s largest demonstrations since 2019. And women are playing a prominent role, with many publicly burning their veils and cutting their hair. Analysts say the pressure is building, and activists fear a violent crackdown by authorities.