Mass protests have been ongoing for more than 10 days in many cities across Iran due to the devaluation of the national currency (rial) and high inflation.
Modern.az reports that, according to opposition media, the city of Abdanan in Ilam province, with a population of approximately 25,000, has been completely engulfed by street protests.
Protesters are chanting slogans against the country's supreme leadership: “Death to Khamenei! Death to the dictator!”
In response, security forces cut off the city's electricity.
Last night, protesters attacked a number of commercial establishments. In particular, protesters reportedly burned and looted stores belonging to the network associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
According to the US-based Human Rights Watch organization, at least 36 people have died in the protests in Iran, and shopkeepers' strikes and street demonstrations have spread to 285 districts in 92 Iranian cities.
In turn, the HRANA human rights news agency reported that at least 34 protesters and 2 security personnel have been killed since the protests began on December 28. Dozens of protesters have been injured. Security forces are reported to have arrested more than 2,000 people.
According to Iran International, an opposition news website, Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has called for nationwide protests.
Furthermore, it has been reported that seven Kurdish opposition parties and civil society organizations in Iran issued a joint statement declaring January 8 as a national day of protest.
Street protests were held in Borujerd, Mashhad, Jask, Hamadan, Sabzevar, Kermanshah, Lahijan, and other locations. Protesters took to the streets, chanting anti-government slogans.
Due to a shortage of human resources, authorities are reportedly sending ground forces and border guards to respond to the protests. Tear gas, rubber bullets, and sometimes live ammunition are reportedly being used to disperse the demonstrations.
A.Qorxmaz
