Iran internet access blocked amid calls for rallies

Millions of Iranians have had their Internet access blocked amid opposition calls for major street protests on Tuesday.

Critics said the crackdown on access to e-mails and social networking sites was part of the regime’s strategy to prevent the rallies. A heavy police presence on the streets was also reported.

The demonstrations have been called to demand the release from house arrest of opposition leaders Mirhossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karoubi. They have been detained since urging supporters to take to the streets, exactly a year ago, in support of uprisings across the Arab world. Many used the opportunity to protest at President Ahmadinejad’s disputed re-election in 2009 and clashes broke out.

Ahead of parliamentary elections next month, the authorities have vowed to quell any public protest calling for the release of Mousavi and Karoubi.

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