HomeNEWSIRAN NEWSIran protests weekly: Retirees, workers, and activists escalate nationwide challenge to regime
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Iran protests weekly: Retirees, workers, and activists escalate nationwide challenge to regime

By Mahmoud Hakamian
Iran protests weekly June 14
Iran protests weekly June 14

Across Iran, a renewed wave of protests has seen citizens from various walks of life take to the streets, voicing their profound discontent with the clerical regime’s plundering policies, systemic corruption, and brutal repression. From Isfahan and Tehran to Kermanshah and beyond, retirees, oil and gas workers, environmental activists, and families of political prisoners have demonstrated remarkable courage, demanding their fundamental rights and an end to the regime’s devastating rule. Their chants, “Our rights will only be achieved on the streets!” and “Cry out, cry out against all this tyranny!”, echo the nation’s deep-seated frustration and unwavering resolve for change.

The past week has been marked by significant protest movements, highlighting the people’s growing refusal to endure the regime’s oppressive measures and the worsening economic conditions that have pushed millions into poverty. These widespread demonstrations underscore the Iranian people’s determination to reclaim their country from the ruling mullahs.

Retirees nationwide decry poverty and regime’s plunder

The nation’s retirees, who dedicated decades to building the country, are now facing dire economic hardship due to the regime’s ruinous policies. Their pensions are insufficient to cover basic needs, yet they continue to bravely protest across Iran.

On Sunday, June 8, Isfahan witnessed a large-scale march by steel and mine retirees. They courageously chanted, “Cry out, cry out against all this tyranny!” and “Neither the government nor the parliament, are thinking of the nation!” directly accusing the regime’s institutions of neglecting the people’s welfare. Steel retirees in Tehran also staged a protest in front of the Steel Pension Fund building on Vozara Street, voicing similar grievances.

Kermanshah was another flashpoint on June 8, where retirees gathered, chanting, “Our rights will only be achieved on the streets,” “Public funds and the treasury are the playground of thieves,” and “The people’s backs are broken under the burden of inflation.” These slogans highlight the pervasive corruption and economic mismanagement that have crippled the nation.

The following day, Monday, June 9, telecommunication retirees in Zanjan protested against the oppression, discrimination, and deep-rooted corruption within entities like the IRGC Cooperative Foundation and the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO), which are major shareholders in the telecommunications company. Their chants of “We’ve seen no justice, only heard lies!” resonated with the widespread disillusionment.

Continuing this wave of protests, telecommunication company retirees in Kermanshah province also held a significant march. They condemned the regime’s failure to implement laws and the systematic violation of their rights, chanting, “Retiree, rise up to end discrimination” and pointedly, “The Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order has taken over the telecommunications company and stolen our rights.” This direct accusation highlights the plundering of national assets by regime-affiliated institutions.

Numerous other cities, including Shush, Sanandaj, Shiraz, Tabriz, Bijar, and Khorramabad, also saw widespread retiree protests throughout the week, demonstrating a unified national movement against the regime’s injustices.

Oil and gas workers demand an end to exploitation

The critical oil and gas sector also saw significant unrest as contract workers from the Gachsaran Oil and Gas Operating Company held a spirited march and protest on Sunday, June 8, at the company’s central office. Chanting “We won’t rest until we get our rights,” these workers protested against discriminatory payment practices, deplorable working conditions, and the regime’s failure to address their basic livelihood and welfare demands.

Their key demands included the elimination of exploitative contracting companies, the implementation of a fair employee organization plan, and the removal of pervasive job inequalities. The workers emphasized that they have faced years of empty promises from regime officials and pledged to continue their protests until their demands are fully met.

“No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign enters 72nd week amid nationwide support

The courageous “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign marked its 72nd week, with prisoners in 47 prisons across Iran participating in hunger strikes and other acts of defiance against the regime’s barbaric use of the death penalty. This campaign has become a significant symbol of resistance against the regime’s medieval practices.

In Tehran, the parents of political prisoner and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) supporter Shahrokh Daneshvarkar, and the parents of another PMOI/MEK-affiliated political prisoner, Vahid Baniamerian, held pictures of their sons and demanded the annulment of all unjust execution sentences. Their bravery in publicly supporting their loved ones and condemning the regime’s actions is a testament to the growing defiance.

Across numerous cities, including Tehran, Shahroud, Shahriar, Shiraz, Fasa, Kazerun, Gorgan, Kerman, Sowme’eh Sara, Karaj, Hamedan, Lahijan, Yasuj, and Kermanshah, rebellious youth displayed placards protesting executions, declaring their solidarity with this vital national campaign.

Significantly, female political prisoners in the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran, while on hunger strike themselves, gathered in the prison yard to chant slogans in support of the “No to Execution” campaign. They courageously shouted the names of fellow political prisoners facing execution, followed by defiant chants such as “This is the final warning, if you execute, there will be an uprising!”

Environmental and agricultural protests highlight regime’s destructive policies

The regime’s destructive environmental policies and neglect of the agricultural sector also fueled protests. On Friday, June 6, the courageous residents of Alavijeh, Isfahan, formed a large human chain to protest the devastating environmental impact of mining activities in their region, which are often sanctioned by corrupt regime officials.

In Shiraz, on Tuesday, June 10, hardworking farmers from North Kamfiruz gathered in front of the provincial governor’s office, demanding their rightful share of water, a recurring issue exacerbated by the regime’s mismanagement of water resources.

Additionally, poultry farmers in Ardabil province protested, demanding fair pricing for their products in line with neighboring provinces. Workers of the Industrial Projects Management Company (IPMI), a subsidiary of the regime’s Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, also held a gathering on June 10, calling for solutions to their pressing work-related and livelihood problems.

These multifaceted protests across Iran paint a clear picture of a populace united against a corrupt and oppressive regime, determined to fight for a free and democratic future.

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