In a wave of escalating protests, various groups across Iran have taken to the streets to voice their grievances against the ruling dictatorship. The unrest is fueled by economic hardship, unpaid wages, pension issues, and government corruption.
In Tehran, creditors of the state-backed Reyhan Tak Holding Company gathered to demand the repayment of their investments, which authorities have so far ignored. Similarly, retired government employees held a protest in front of the Ministry of Education, calling for the government to fulfill its commitments.
Kerman, in southern Iran, witnessed a rally by retirees of the Copper Fund. The protesters, numbering around 6,500 pensioners, opposed the merger of the copper and social security funds, fearing adverse impacts on their pensions. Parallel protests took place in Rafsanjan, southeast Iran.
August 6—Tehran, Iran
Creditors of the state-backed Reyhan Tak Holding Company hold protest as authorities continue to ignore their demands. #IranProtests pic.twitter.com/lOKx9ZetyR— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 6, 2024
In Kermanshah, western Iran, retired government employees protested in front of the government retirement fund office. Their demands included the implementation of a pension adjustment law and addressing corruption and difficult living conditions.
Meanwhile, in Sarbandar, southwest Iran, municipality workers rallied in front of the governorate to protest against unpaid wages and unmet basic needs.
The “No to Execution on Tuesdays” campaign marked its 28th week, expanding its reach to 18 prisons across Iran, including Evin, Ghezel Hesar, and several others. This campaign, which began with women political prisoners, has now seen participation from male prisoners as well. The campaign’s latest statement highlighted that since the beginning of the current year, at least 228 people have been executed, with an acceleration in executions noted recently. Over the past week alone, more than 23 individuals have been transferred to solitary confinement in preparation for execution.
August 6—Kerman, southern Iran
Retirees of Copper Fund rally to protest the merging of the copper and social security fund. This fund serves 6,500 pensioners and similar rallies are being held in Rafsanjan.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/IDzD1bSHSV— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 6, 2024
In a separate and tragic incident, an indiscriminate shooting by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces in the town of Khash, Sistan, and Baluchestan province, resulted in three deaths and two injuries. Among the deceased were a woman and a five-year-old girl, while an eight-year-old boy and a young man sustained severe injuries. This incident has sparked outrage and further underscored the volatile situation in the region.
According to a local human rights group, at least 540 citizens were targeted by military forces last year, with 129 fatalities, including porters and fuel carriers.
The recent protests and incidents have brought to light ongoing human rights concerns in Iran, particularly regarding the treatment of prisoners, execution practices, and the use of force by security agencies.
August 6—Sarbandar, southwest Iran
Municipality workers hold rally in front of the governorate, protesting unpaid wages and basic needs.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/bokgX2ZXd6— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 6, 2024