Reporting by PMOI/MEK
Iran, August 1, 2021—On the morrow of demonstrations by the families of protesters murdered by regime security forces, and following nightly protests, the people of Tehran returned to the streets on Saturday and chanted anti-regime slogans.
Protesters called for regime change, a sentiment that has been intensely echoed across the country in the past few years.
The protesters were chanting “Down with the dictator” and “Down with Khamenei,” referring to regime supreme leader Ali Khamenei. A large crowd had gathered in front of Teatr-e Shahr in the Vali Asr Square. The protesters stood their ground despite the presence and attacks of regime security forces. Videos show security forces shooting teargas at the protesters.
July 31 – Tehran, #Iran
Locals protesting and chanting "Down with the Islamic Republic!" are attacked with tear gas.
They also chanted "Down with Khamenei!" to voice their hatred of the mullahs' dictatorship.#IranProtests #اعتراضات_سراسریpic.twitter.com/uBkgP1r0vM— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) July 31, 2021
The protests took place against the backdrop of demonstrations that began in Khuzestan and expanded to other parts of the country. “From Khuzestan to Tehran, we are united,” the protesters were chanting on Saturday.
July 31 – Tehran, #Iran
Protesters chanting:
"From Khuzestan to Tehran, unity, unity!"
Iranians throughout the country are rising in solidarity with protests that began in Khuzestan province and continues to spread.#IranProtests #اعتراضات_سراسریpic.twitter.com/2trKftS3nd— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) July 31, 2021
Tehran’s protesters also voiced their support for workers who have been holding protests in different parts of the country in recent months. "Down with the oppressor! Hail to workers!" they shouted.
July 31 – Tehran, #Iran
Locals rallying in the Iranian capital, holding anti-regime protests and chanting:
"Down with the oppressor! Hail to workers!"#IranProtests #اعتراضات_سراسری pic.twitter.com/oQgD80CVKq— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) July 31, 2021
The protests in Khuzestan began in response to severe water shortages in the hot summer weather. Khuzestan is faced with a severe water crisis, mainly due to the regime’s destructive policies. In recent weeks, reports from Khuzestan show the Hur ol-Azim marsh drying up and livestock dying due to lack of water.
At the same time, the province’s inhabitants are facing additional problems due to electricity outages. The unjustified creation of dams on the Karun river in the region is the main reason the people are facing water shortages. Khuzestan is one of several provinces that are faced with water shortages due to government policies.
The regime’s brutal response to the protests, gunning down demonstrators and killing several people, has only added to the rage of the people of Khuzestan, who have seen regime authorities ignore their pleas for their most basic needs.
The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) has been able to obtain the names and particulars of 12 protesters killed by security forces. But the real number of civilian casualties is much higher.
At the same time, the regime is trying to prevent news of the protests from spreading by cutting off internet access in vast swaths of the country. But despite the repression, protests continue intensely and are sprouting in every part of Iran, making it increasingly harder for the regime to maintain its hold on the explosive state of the society.
