Violent economic protests in Iran leave at least 36 dead as unrest spreads

Violent protests over Iran’s weakening economy have stretched beyond ten days and have killed at least 36 people, rights groups say, as demonstrations spread across the country. Rights groups reported that among the dead are four children and at least two members of Iran’s security forces, and that hundreds more have been detained.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said protests have reached more than 200 locations in 26 of Iran’s 31 provinces and documented more than 2,000 arrests; Iranian officials have not released comprehensive casualty or arrest figures. Economic pressures cited in reporting include sanctions tied to Iran’s nuclear program and the lingering impact of a 12-day war last summer with Israel and the United States, during which U.S.

forces struck key Iranian nuclear sites. The rial has collapsed to roughly 1.4 million to the dollar, fuelling inflation, and the government has offered a small monthly food subsidy of about $7 per household for more than 70 million people. Authorities have paired limited relief with force: Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, said there would be “no leniency” for anyone he accused of aiding Iran’s enemies, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that “rioters must be put in their place,” language analysts say effectively permits escalated repression.

U.S.

Key Topics

World, Iran, Grand Bazaar, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, Hrana