Today, on Saturday, April 20, multiple protests unfolded across Tehran and Tabriz, two major Iranian metropolises, highlighting grievances related to economic hardships and rights violations.
In Tehran, Nissan pickup truck drivers initiated a strike to protest against the deterioration of their living standards. They expressed their determination to continue the strike and refused to transport any cargo until their demands are met. Security forces were reportedly present at the protest rally, monitoring the situation closely.
Simultaneously, creditors of Iran Khodro, a major domestic and state-affiliated automaker, gathered in front of the Governmental Punishment Organization in Tehran. They voiced their dissatisfaction with the company’s decision to raise prices on their pre-paid purchases, demanding fair treatment and resolution of their grievances.
April 20—Tehran, #Iran
Creditors of Iran Khodro hold protest rally in front of the Governmental Punishment Organization as the company has raised the price on their pre-paid purchases.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/wnHABmUZ9c— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) April 20, 2024
Furthermore, another protest emerged in Tehran, where school janitors and service staff nationwide gathered to voice their grievances. They decried the worsening conditions they face as employees of public schools, highlighting the need for improved working conditions and better treatment from authorities.
In a separate development in Tehran, security forces stationed at Amir Kabir University reportedly prevented female students from entering the campus unless they adhered to new stringent measures implemented under the new hijab law. This action sparked outrage among students, further escalating tensions between the authorities and the populace.
April 20—Tehran, #Iran
Security forces at Amir Kabir University prevent female students from entering the campus unless they abide by new draconian measures the regime is implementing under the new hijab law.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/FccuJEpbjH— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) April 20, 2024
Meanwhile, in Tabriz, northwest Iran, pickup truck owners staged a protest rally against new regulations imposed by the Raisi government, which they claim have reduced their income and worsened their living conditions. Security forces were also present at this demonstration, indicating a heightened level of tension.
The protests underscore a deepening discontent among diverse segments of Iranian society, shedding light on prevalent economic struggles, violations of labor rights, and apprehensions regarding civil liberties. However, the systemic neglect and the government’s reluctance to address these grievances suggest that further unrest and societal challenges lie ahead.
PMOI Resistance Units in Zahedan reject all forms of dictatorship and call for regime change. #IranProtests #PMOI #Iran pic.twitter.com/TyZcdsNiFD
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) April 20, 2024