Iran continues to witness widespread protests as citizens from various sectors take to the streets to express their grievances. From students decrying tuition hikes to retirees demanding fair pensions, the protests signal a growing wave of discontent across the nation. The demonstrations on October 20 reflect ongoing economic struggles and frustrations with perceived government inaction.
In Tehran, students from Azad University resumed their protests, rallying against a sudden 200% increase in tuition fees. The students gathered near the Pasteur Area, holding banners and chanting slogans denouncing the hike, which they argue makes education inaccessible for many. The tuition increase has sparked outrage among students and their families, who accuse the university administration of failing to inform them about the changes in advance. The sharp fee rise from 30 million to 90 million tomans per semester has been criticized as a move to further commercialize education and marginalize economically disadvantaged students.
October 20—Tehran, Iran
Students of Azad University continue rallies to protest the sudden spike in tuition fees.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/WXnNw5XHl1— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) October 20, 2024
Retirees and pensioners of the Social Security Organization also staged protests in Shush, Khuzestan Province, and Ahvaz, demanding higher pensions in accordance with existing laws. The pensioners argue that the current payments are insufficient to meet their basic needs amid the rising cost of living and inflation. They have been vocal about the gap between their pensions and the legally mandated adjustments, urging the government to address their concerns. Chants of “Enough with broken promises!” echoed through the gathering, as the pensioners called for immediate action. Similar protests have been ongoing, reflecting broader dissatisfaction among retirees who feel abandoned by the social safety net that is supposed to protect them.
October 20—Shush, southwest Iran
Retirees and pensioners of the Social Security Organization resume protest rallies, demanding higher pensions according to the regime's own laws.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/P7UyDA8Rkb— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) October 20, 2024
In Damghan, Semnan Province, and Isfahan, steel sector retirees resumed their protests, calling for better pension payouts and improved living conditions. Demonstrators in Isfahan rallied under the slogan, “Lying government, what have you done with your promises?” as they accused authorities of failing to deliver on commitments to increase pensions. The protests have been ongoing for weeks, with retirees demanding the fulfillment of promises made by the regime to address their economic plight.
The protests across Tehran, Shush, Ahvaz, Damghan, and Isfahan are part of a larger pattern of unrest, reflecting deepening frustration with the current economic and social policies. Many of the demonstrators, whether students or retirees are united by a shared sense of injustice and economic hardship.
October 20—Damghan, northern Iran
Retirees of the steel sector resume protest rallies, demanding higher pensions and other basic needs.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/1Nk8TXMuYi— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) October 20, 2024
The continued demonstrations underscore a critical challenge facing the country’s leadership. With various sectors of society voicing their grievances simultaneously, the calls for systemic change are becoming harder to ignore. Protesters across Iran share a common demand: improved economic conditions, transparency, and accountability from those in power.