According to eyewitnesses, security forces opened fire on protesters in northwestern Iran. Tear gas was also used against the people. After the death of a Kurdish woman in her hometown of Mariwan, they took to the streets, eyewitnesses reported on Sunday.
The protesters are said to have attacked the office of the city’s MP during the protests. Dozens of protesters were injured, according to the Oslo-based human rights organization Hengaw. There would also have been deaths. However, the information could not be independently verified.
State media reject allegations
The protests in the city were sparked by the death of a PhD student on Saturday, who is said to have died after participating in protests. State media reject accusations that security forces have acted violently – such as in recent weeks after youths were killed in protests.
Since the protests broke out seven weeks ago, the deaths of many young people have led to crowds taking to the streets, even after the traditional 40-day mourning period.
Harsh repression in Kurdish areas
The trigger for the systemic mass protests in Iran was the death of Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini († 22) last September. The vice squad arrested her for allegedly violating the Islamic dress code. The woman died in police custody soon after.
Since her death, thousands across the country have demonstrated against the government’s repressive course and Islamic rule system. In Kurdish areas, security forces are said to be particularly tough on protests. (SDA)