In the past week, Iran has witnessed a surge in protests across various cities, with citizens voicing their anger and frustration over a wide range of issues, including government corruption, economic hardships, and social injustices. The widespread demonstrations highlight growing dissatisfaction among Iranians as they demand their rights and push back against the regime’s oppressive policies. Below is a recap of key events from the week.
Protests by Retirees
Retirees led the charge in several cities, including Isfahan and Kermanshah, protesting against financial struggles and government mismanagement. In Isfahan, steel industry retirees gathered in protest, chanting, “We won’t rest until we get our rights,” while demanding solutions to their livelihood issues. In Kermanshah, retirees denounced the regime’s theft and mismanagement, chanting, “We’ve heard enough lies; we’ve seen no justice.” Protesters carried placards calling for the unconditional implementation of regulations and improvements to the chaotic state of insurance services.
Educators Stand Their Ground in Tehran
On Monday, retired educators in Tehran protested in front of the Ministry of Education, demanding overdue wages. The regime’s police force, fearing the spread of the demonstration, attacked the protesters with pepper spray. Despite this, the educators stood firm, chanting, “Cry out, cry out against all this tyranny,” and pushing back against the repressive measures.
Workers of Chooka Wood Factory Demand Unpaid Wages
In another protest, workers from the Chooka Wood Factory gathered outside the main factory gate to demand unpaid wages and benefits. The demonstration was part of a continued series of protests highlighting the economic struggles faced by factory workers across the country.
Tanker Drivers Strike at Western Borders
On Saturday, tanker drivers in Iran’s western regions, including Qasr-e Shirin and Baneh, launched a strike to protest exploitative working conditions, low wages, and heavy fines. The strike persisted through Thursday, underscoring the growing discontent among transportation workers.
SMA Patients and Families Protest Lack of Medication
In Tehran, SMA patients and their families braved freezing temperatures to protest outside the Ministry of Health. They demanded access to life-saving medication, drawing attention to the regime’s neglect of vulnerable populations.
Air Pollution Protests in Arak
Arak witnessed its sixth major protest as residents demanded action on worsening air pollution. Protesters criticized the government’s failure to address the issue, citing the continued burning of mazut and neglect of industrial regulations as key contributors to the crisis.
Strikes Across Kurdish Cities
Protests erupted in Kurdish cities such as Sanandaj, Bukan, and Saqqez after two civil activists, Pakhshan Azizi and Varisheh Moradi, were sentenced to death. Merchants and residents went on strike to denounce the unjust rulings, showing solidarity across the region.
University Students Protest Food Safety
Students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences protested against poor food quality, which led to the poisoning of several students. Demonstrators lined up their plates across the campus as a symbolic act of protest.
Other Notable Protests
- Firefighters in Karaj protested wage cuts.
- Emergency medical staff in South Khorasan gathered to demand better living conditions and fair treatment.
- Housing applicants in Sirjan protested delays in land allocation for a government-backed project.
- Golbaran Company victims in Dezful demonstrated against the looting of their assets by regime officials.
This wave of protests reflects the resilience and determination of the Iranian people in their fight for justice, equality, and better living conditions. Despite crackdowns and repression, demonstrators continue to demand accountability and meaningful change.
As these protests grow in scale and intensity, they serve as a stark reminder of the systemic issues plaguing the country and the people’s unyielding resolve to stand against tyranny.