In numerous Iranian provinces, demonstrations concerning the fiscal predicament have turned into violent confrontations with law enforcement, accompanied by reports of fatalities and numerous detentions.
Protests in Iran / © Associated Press
Demonstrations in Iran, triggered by a deteriorating economic climate, the fall in value of the local currency, and challenging living standards, have escalated substantially. On Thursday, demonstrators encountered police officers in several of the country’s provinces, which led to casualties.
This is according to information from The Hill.
As per the semi-official Fars News Agency, a minimum of three demonstrators were killed and 17 others sustained injuries during an assault on a police precinct situated in the western province of Lorestan.
Encounters between activists and security personnel have grown more intense from the time demonstrations started last weekend. These ongoing demonstrations represent the largest the nation has witnessed in three years, subsequent to the nationwide unrest occurring after the demise of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who passed away while in police custody subsequent to being apprehended for allegedly not adhering to the hijab regulations.
It is further stated that a member of the Basij paramilitary organization, commonly utilized by the authorities to quell demonstrations, met his death in the city of Kuhdasht (Lurestan province). At least 13 individuals were wounded.
The human rights group Hengaw reported that Iranian authorities have already imprisoned at least 29 protestors throughout various regions of the country.
Concurrently, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Walz declared via social media that the United States lends its support to Iranians who have congregated in the streets to voice their demands for freedom, underscoring that the existing administration has only delivered economic regression and conflict to the country.
By way of reminder, on New Year’s Eve, demonstrators ignited a Basij stronghold in the city of Chenari.