WASHINGTON, WTOP, Jan. 6, 2018 — Despite subfreezing temperatures, demonstrators, many with roots in Iran, gathered in front of the White House to show support for protests that have shaken Iran.

Iran has restricted social media and demonstrators are asking U.S. technology companies to keep the information flowing in the autocratic nation to aid anti-government demonstrators.

“For liberty in Iran and democracy in Iran we are here to support the protests in Iran that are ongoing,” said Majid Sadeghpour, a Falls Church, Virginia, pharmacist who also serves as political director of the Organization of Iranian American Communities in the United States.
“We want the United States to demonstrate and continue to demonstrate moral support for the people of Iran,” he said.

“For liberty in Iran and democracy in Iran we are here to support the protests in Iran that are ongoing,” said Majid Sadeghpour, a Falls Church, Virginia, pharmacist who also serves as political director of the Organization of Iranian American Communities in the United States.

The protests in Iran began Dec. 28 and were sparked by a jump in food prices. The protests quickly escalated as they spread across Iran and included calls to overthrow the Iranian government, according to The Associated Press.

The demonstrators waved flags including the flag of the Shah, or king, who was overthrown by Iran’s current regime

Iran has restricted social media and demonstrators are asking U.S. technology companies to keep the information flowing in the autocratic nation to aid anti-government demonstrators

 Iran protests go on as social media apps blocked, 2 killed
The demonstrations, which began Thursday over the economic woes plaguing Iran and continued Sunday, appear to be the largest to strike the Islamic Republic since 2009.

“Technology companies in the United States have power to provide free, available internet connections in Iran while the government is closing down and clamping down on social media,” said Sofey Saidi of Alexandria, Virginia.