Thursday, February 6, 2025
HomeIran News NowIran Protests & DemonstrationsIran Protests: Nationwide Demonstrations Highlight Economic Hardship and Corruption

Iran Protests: Nationwide Demonstrations Highlight Economic Hardship and Corruption

Protests erupted across Iran on Sunday, December 1, 2024, with demonstrations reported in multiple cities, as diverse groups voiced grievances over unpaid wages, insufficient pensions, and government corruption. The rallies showcased growing public dissatisfaction with the regime’s failure to address widespread economic and social issues.

In Shahrekord, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province (western Iran), defrauded customers of the state-run Bonyad-e Maskan housing company threw mud on the provincial offices and displayed banners accusing the company of corruption and theft. They demanded justice for the non-delivery of their long-promised homes.

In Ilam, Ilam Province (western Iran), dismissed workers of the Arghavan Petrochemical Company protested outside the provincial governorate, urging policy reforms to prioritize local employment opportunities.

In Tehran, disabled citizens rallied outside the Majlis (parliament), chanting, “Injustice is enough; our tables are empty.” They demanded the enforcement of laws guaranteeing support for disabled individuals unable to work. Retired teachers also gathered in front of the Majlis, protesting delayed payments and 15-month-overdue retirement bonuses. Additionally, steel industry retirees demonstrated outside the Steel Retirement Fund, demanding adequate pensions and better living conditions.

In Shush, Khuzestan Province (southwest Iran), Social Security retirees organized rallies to demand higher pensions and immediate action against inflation. Protesters decried the economic pressure, chanting, “Under the burden of inflation, the people’s backs are breaking.”

In Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province (southwest Iran), Golestan Hospital nurses gathered outside the Jondishapur Medical Sciences University to protest low wages and unfair working conditions. Simultaneously, Social Security retirees held a rally in the city, condemning both the government and parliament for neglecting public welfare, chanting, “Both parliament and government oppress the people.”

In Kerman, Kerman Province (southern Iran), retired employees of the Kerman Coal Company rallied outside the retirement fund offices, protesting meager pensions and inadequate access to basic services, including healthcare.

In Yasuj, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province (southwest Iran), local residents gathered outside the provincial governorate to protest the construction of a dam, which they fear will disrupt their livelihoods and exacerbate water shortages.

In Gorgan, Golestan Province (northern Iran), small landowners protested in front of the Baharestan governorate, calling out government corruption and demanding solutions to ongoing disputes over land ownership and unfair policies.

Meanwhile, in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province (southern Iran), reports emerged of a Baluch fuel porters being fatally shot by security forces. This incident is part of an ongoing pattern of violence against fuel porters, who, due to poverty and a lack of stable employment opportunities, are forced into this high-risk occupation. According to statistics, at least 29 fuel carriers were killed by security forces in the past year.

In Fahraj, Kerman Province (southeastern Iran), two Baluch individuals were reportedly killed by regime forces. These killings underscore a troubling trend of violence against the Baluch community, which faces systemic discrimination and economic marginalization.

The nationwide demonstrations reflect widespread discontent over the regime’s mishandling of the economy, systemic corruption, and disregard for the needs of its citizens. These protests underline the growing frustration among various sectors of Iranian society, demanding urgent change and accountability.