site.btaBulgarian Foreign Ministry Reports Cancelled Flights to/from Iran, Telecoms Blackout

A number of airlines are cancelling flights to and from Iran amid ongoing anti-government protests in the country, the Situation Centre of the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry warned on the ministry’s website on Saturday. Telecommunications services, including the internet, have been blocked in Iran, the Situation Centre said.

A travel risk index for Iran has been set at the highest level, five, it said, explaining that this level indicates a warning to suspend all travel and leave the country immediately. The ministry urges Bulgarian citizens currently in Iran to register via the “Travel to Iran” button on the website and/or through the mobile application “Travel Informed”.

For assistance to Bulgarians travelling to Iran, the country’s diplomatic mission in Tehran can be contacted on the following numbers: +98 21 8877 5037, +98 21 8877 5662, and an emergency number outside working hours: +98 930 568 3409. Reports may also be sent via email to the addresses of the Bulgarian consulate and embassy in Tehran.

At least 65 people have been killed and more than 2,300 arrested in two weeks of anti-government protests that have rocked Iran, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said, as quoted by CNN. The demonstrations have taken place in a wave of nationwide unrest over crippling economic conditions.

Iranian authorities have continued to restrict internet access for a second day amid mass protests in several cities, observers cited by DPA reported. Iranian security services have completely cut off internet access for the general population, except for their own forces and selected state media.