On November 27, protests erupted across Iran, with citizens from various sectors expressing outrage over economic hardships, corruption, and unfulfilled promises. Victims of fraudulent investment schemes, farmers, hospital staff, textile workers, and retired petrochemical employees took to the streets, highlighting the growing unrest in the country.
In Tehran, investors defrauded by the Azim Khodro car sales company protested in front of the Economic Prosecutor’s Office in District 32. Defrauded as far back as 2018, these individuals accuse the judiciary of inaction despite over seven years of complaints. More than 2,000 plaintiffs held signs demanding, “Judiciary, claimant of justice, hear our voice,” and called for immediate resolution of their cases.
Meanwhile, caretakers and service staff from the Ministry of Education in Tehran protested on December 6 and 7, demanding fair wages and job security. These workers, responsible for maintaining schools in the capital, have accused authorities of failing to address their longstanding grievances, despite numerous demonstrations. Earlier, on November 27, janitors and service workers from the education sector in various provinces rallied in front of the Education Ministry in Tehran, protesting poor working conditions, low pay, and the lack of response from regime authorities. Their continued actions reflect growing frustration with systemic neglect and unfulfilled promises.
More footage of the protest rally by defrauded creditors of Rezayat Khodro in Qazvin. Protesters are calling out the government for siding with the corrupt managers of this state-backed company.#Iran #IranProtestspic.twitter.com/fZoyfSJ9Bu
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) November 27, 2024
Investors scammed by the Rezayat Khodro Taravat Novin company staged a demonstration in Qazvin, Qazvin Province, Central Iran, outside the courthouse during a hearing on their case. The company reportedly defrauded 35,000 investors across Iran of over 12 trillion tomans, delivering fewer than 2,000 vehicles. Over 5,000 individuals have filed lawsuits against its CEO, Mohammadreza Ghafari. The protestors expressed skepticism over the judiciary’s commitment to addressing the issue, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with systemic corruption.
Farmers in Qahderijan, Isfahan Province, Central Iran, protested outside the provincial governor’s office, demanding government action on water scarcity and resource mismanagement. Chronic water shortages have devastated their livelihoods, exacerbated by industrial projects that divert water away from agricultural areas. The farmers’ plight reflects broader frustrations among rural communities suffering from government neglect.
Staff at the Baqaei Specialized Oncology Hospital in Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, Southwestern Iran, protested on December 6 and 7 over months of unpaid wages and insufficient funding. Nurses and administrative staff warned of deteriorating conditions for cancer patients and accused the government of ignoring their demands despite repeated pleas. The protests highlight Iran’s healthcare crisis, with workers across the sector facing similar challenges.
November 27—Ahvaz, southwest Iran
The staff of the oncology department of Baghayi hospital rally to protest unfair working conditions and low pay.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/ZkL3CvZ3Ie— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) November 27, 2024
Retired employees of the Khorasan Petrochemical Company in Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan Province, Northeastern Iran, held protests on December 6, demanding overdue pensions and improved retirement benefits. The demonstrators accused the government of neglecting its obligations to retirees, a growing concern amid rising living costs.
Borujerd, Lorestan Province, Western Iran – Workers from a local textile factory staged protests on December 6, citing delayed wages and the threat of layoffs. The factory’s financial struggles are emblematic of a broader industrial decline in Iran, where many workers face job insecurity and unpaid salaries.
Violent clashes were reported in Shahriar, Tehran Province, Central Iran, as municipal forces cracked down on street vendors. Videos show officers dismantling stalls, confiscating goods, and physically assaulting pedlars. Eyewitnesses condemned the treatment of vendors, many of whom have turned to street selling due to unemployment and poverty. One observer remarked, “These people are just trying to earn a living. Such treatment forces them into desperate measures.”
November 27—Tehran, Iran
Janitors and service workers of the education sector from different provinces rally in front of the Education Ministry in Tehran to protest poor working conditions, low pay, and lack of response by regime authorities.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/XvRHMTXxzp— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) November 27, 2024
The protests reflect widespread frustration with the government’s failure to address corruption, mismanagement, and economic hardships. State-affiliated economists have described corruption in Iran as “pervasive” and “a barrier to development,” emphasizing that it is not limited to a specific group or faction. The unrest underscores the regime’s growing disconnect from its citizens, who face worsening living conditions amid rampant inflation and systemic inefficiencies.
The escalation of protests across cities and sectors reveals a regime struggling to maintain control. From defrauded investors to unpaid workers and neglected farmers, the discontent is not confined to a single issue or demographic. As grievances multiply, the Iranian government faces mounting pressure to address the widespread dissatisfaction threatening its stability.
