Hussain Hazbavi 
Iran’s second-largest mobile operator, MTN Irancell, has removed its chief executive amid a dispute over enforcing the government’s internet shutdown during widespread protests.
Iranian media reported that MTN Irancell failed to promptly carry out authorities’ orders as demonstrations spread. Alireza Rafiei was dismissed after roughly a year in the role, with IRGC-linked Fars News Agency saying he was removed for “disobeying orders from security bodies and violating issued regulations under crisis conditions” related to restricting internet access during the unrest.
Mehdi Saremifar, a science and technology journalist, told reporters that the move could indicate “defections at the most senior levels” of the government. The dismissal came shortly after MP Hamid Rasaei criticized delays in shutting down the internet during a parliament session on Monday.
Iran implemented a nationwide internet blackout on January 8, without warning, as calls for anti-government protests intensified across the country.
