Iran blocks Facebook
“Access to the Facebook site was prohibited several days ahead of the presidential election,” Ilna, considered close to Iranian reformists, said in reference to the June 12 vote.
“According to certain Internet surfers, the site was banned because supporters of Mir Hossein Mousavi were using Facebook to better disseminate the candidate’s positions.”
An employee of an Internet service provider who requested anonymity said the ministry of communications and information technology had announced the decision.
However, there was no immediate comment from the authorities on the claims.
Former prime minister Mousavi is backed by two-time ex-reformist president Mohammad Khatami and the main reformist parties. He is considered to be the main rival to incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is seeking a second four-year term.
A Facebook page dedicated to Mousavi’s campaign has 5,215 supporters and can be found at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mir-Hossein-Mousavi-/45061919453 .
It contains biographical information on the candidate and a statement on his proposed policies, as well as photographs both of him and of his fans.
As is the case with any such Facebook page, there are also comments posted by fans.
Ahmadinejad also has a page, which had 1,700 supporters when visited by an AFP correspondent.
Founded in 2004 by former Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook claims to have 175 million members worldwide. In Iran, the service is normally available in Farsi and in English.
Iran blocking Facebook – give your views
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