(Image Credit: Curtis Goodrum / CFJC Today)

By Curtis Goodrum

IRAN PROTESTS

Families safe but members of Kamloops Iranian community hearing few details from back home

Feb 6, 2026 | 5:04 PM

KAMLOOPS — Since the start of mass protests in January in Iran, several thousand people are reported to have died, while a government-imposed internet and phone blackout has wreaked havoc on the flow of information coming out of the country. As of last week, the Iranian government has increased access to the internet and international calling, but most of the country is still without regular access. Iranian people living in Kamloops say while they have been able to make contact with loved ones, those discussions are limited.

“They felt it, and they’ve seen it firsthand, and they’ve seen how brutal the government is. They think their internet is under scrutiny and they’re under surveillance. They can’t talk about it. They’re scared. They’re scared of their life. They can’t speak about it,” said Mohamad, who is worried for his family’s safety. 

Nima has been able to reach out to his family but says communication is limited.

“My mom called, like, I think called my phone number, talk for two or three minutes a few times, like in a week. We couldn’t call them. Right now, the internet is more connected. Still, according to Netblocks, less than 50 per cent,” said Nima, who’s concerned for his family and friends in Iran. 

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Demonstrators have gathered in countries outside of Iran to protest the regime. There is still a lack of internet access in Iran for most of its citizens.

“People are not even able to use it freely because it’s a national internet, and people do not have access to the international one. The free internet. If people happen to use the internet and have access to their social media and other platforms, they use VPNs,” said Ali, who moved to Kamloops in 2024.

There is hope in the Iranian community that things will change in their home country, but they say more international support is needed.

“Of course, they did this so they can silence everything, but nothing is solved. They just killed and a sea of blood has flowed.  People want the regime gone, but they need support and we need help,” said Nima.