New Delhi, 2 January: After Nepal, now the anger of Generation Z is visible on the streets of Iran against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The protests against rising inflation have turned violent over the past five days, resulting in at least six deaths.
According to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, on Thursday, protests in Azna city of Lorestan province, about 300 kilometres southwest of Tehran, left at least three people dead and 17 injured.
During the protests, people chanted slogans like ‘Down with the dictator’. A video circulating on social media showed streets set on fire, accompanied by sounds of gunfire. Protesters were seen shouting “Shameless! Shameless!”
Earlier, Fars News Agency reported that in Lordegan city of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, about 470 kilometres south of Tehran, two people were killed during protests. Some protesters began throwing stones at government buildings. Generation Z protesters targeted the governor’s office, mosque, martyrs’ foundation, town hall, and bank buildings, while police responded with tear gas.
Media reports indicate that the violent protests have spread to nearly 21 provinces across Iran. This is considered the largest protest in Iran since 2022. The main cause is the ongoing economic crisis, with the national currency’s value continuously falling and unemployment rising, fuelling public anger.
Although Iran has witnessed protests on religious issues in the past, this time the protests are directed against the Supreme Leader on economic grounds. Inflation in Iran has reached 42.2 percent, with food prices soaring by 72 percent.
Earlier on Wednesday, schools, universities, and public institutions across the country were closed. Authorities declared a bank holiday in an attempt to control unrest.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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