Protests in Iran

The chant ‘death or freedom’ was heard across Iran this week. Several videos on social media have shown protesters calling for the fall of Rouhani’s government. Hundreds of protesters have rallied in Mashhad, Iran’s second largest city. The people are protesting against the ruling religious elite and blame it for current economic inequality – the prices of essential commodities in the country have gone up by 40 percent during the past six months. Protesters are angry at the high cost of basic goods.

Now, the situation is turning worse as the anti-government protests erupted in other cities of Iran are gaining momentum. At least 12 people have been killed and around 400 protesters have been detained. This economic crisis is the result of UN sanctions imposed on behalf of the US to hold Iran from making nuclear weapons. While the Iranian authorities must not use force against protesters, the latter must not cut off its nose to spite the face. This is exactly what will make countries like Israel and the US happier since they were strongly wishing for these riots in Iran.

Abdul Ghaffar Mohmand

Karachi