Reported by PMOI/MEK
July 1, 2018 – The demonstration and brave uprising witnessed by the youth in Khorramshahr, southwest Iran, began with protests focusing on severe water shortages and led to chants of “Death to Khamenei,” in reference to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
(5)#IranProtests
Abadan, southwest #Iran
Crowd protesting severe water shortages.
Protesters chanting:
“Filthy water, salty water, stupid officials” pic.twitter.com/K0AuIdD9Ot— P.M.O.I (@Mojahedineng) June 30, 2018
The people were also heard chanting, “No fear, we’re all together,” as authorities ordered riot police to open fire on the protesters.
The demonstration began on Saturday afternoon as protesters were angry at severe water shortages, poverty and unemployment.
Riot police opened fire on the demonstrators with tear gas and live bullets, injuring many of the protesters, including a child. The demonstrators were chanting:
“Water is our basic right”
The intense crackdown, however, failed to prevent protesters from continuing their protests.
The unrest began Saturday noon and continued into early Sunday morning. Gunfire was heard from various areas across the city. The city of Khorramshahr was literally turned into scenes of hit-and-run skirmishes between the youth and riot police.
On Friday, locals had rallied and demonstrated outside the city’s main mosque and the governor’s office, holding empty buckets and protesting extreme water shortages. They were also able to completely disrupt the regime’s Friday prayers.
Iranian opposition leader Maryam Rajavi sent a message hailing the Khorramshahr protesters and calling on their compatriots to rise in their support.
Hail to the people of #Khorramshahr and their heroic uprising. I call on the courageous youth of #Khuzestan to actively support them. I further urge the international community to take action against the clerical regime’s brutal crackdown. #IranProtests#Iran
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) July 1, 2018
Demonstration in Abadan, southwest Iran
The people of Abadan, also in Khuzestan Province, were also in the streets from Saturday morning protesting severe water shortages and poor water quality.
The protesters were holding placards written:
“Abadan has no water”
“Drinking water is our fundamental right”
“If water is cut-off, Abadan will revolt”
This rally began outside the water department and continued to the downtown areas.
Demonstrators were also heard chanting:
“Our enemy is right here; they lie and say its America”
“Stupid officials, drinking water”
