Iranians debate freedom of expression as Instagram shuts down IRGC pages
After Instagram suspended the purported accounts of high-ranking IRGC members, Iran's ultraconservatives are pushing authorities to ban the platform in Iran.
![IRAN/ EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.
Members of the revolutionary guard attend the anniversary ceremony of Iran's Islamic Revolution at the Khomeini shrine in the Behesht Zahra cemetery, south of Tehran, February 1, 2012. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: POLITICS ANNIVERSARY MILITARY) - GM1E8211G4U01](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2019/RTR2X5DT.jpg/RTR2X5DT.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=fKwriozW)
"Sorry, this page isn't available." That's the message that now greets Instagram users trying to access accounts purportedly run by top figures of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Last week, President Donald Trump designated the IRGC a "foreign terrorist organization," and a day after the measure took effect, Instagram banned the accounts.
"We work with appropriate government authorities to ensure we meet our legal obligations, including those relating to the recent designation of the IRGC," a spokesperson for the social media platform told AFP.