TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s decision to block access to Facebook — less than three weeks before nationwide elections — drew sharp criticism Sunday from a reformist opposition hoping to mobilize the youth vote and unseat President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
The decision, critics said, forces Iranians to rely on state-run media and other government sources ahead of the June 12 vote.
It also appeared to be a direct strike at the youth vote that could pose challenges to Ahmadinejad’s re-election bid.
More than half of Iran’s population was born after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and young voters make up a huge bloc — which helped former reformist President Mohammad Khatami to victories in 1997 and 2001.
Young voters are now strongly courted by the main reformist candidate, Mir Hossein Mousavi, as the possible swing factor.
Iran’s decision drew criticism from Facebook.
"We are disappointed to learn of reports that users in Iran may not have access to Facebook, especially at a time when voters are turning to the Internet as a source of information,” Facebook spokeswoman Elizabeth Linder said in a statement.
by th associated press
The decision, critics said, forces Iranians to rely on state-run media and other government sources ahead of the June 12 vote.
It also appeared to be a direct strike at the youth vote that could pose challenges to Ahmadinejad’s re-election bid.
More than half of Iran’s population was born after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and young voters make up a huge bloc — which helped former reformist President Mohammad Khatami to victories in 1997 and 2001.
Young voters are now strongly courted by the main reformist candidate, Mir Hossein Mousavi, as the possible swing factor.
Iran’s decision drew criticism from Facebook.
"We are disappointed to learn of reports that users in Iran may not have access to Facebook, especially at a time when voters are turning to the Internet as a source of information,” Facebook spokeswoman Elizabeth Linder said in a statement.
by th associated press
