The protests that started at the end of December spread to all 31 provinces of Iran on Thursday. Thousands of people took to the streets in major cities such as Tehran, Kermanshah, Abadan, Tabriz and Shiraz.
Elchi.az reports that the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) organization announced that at least 45 protesters, including 8 children, have been killed by security forces since the protests began.
Local sources and official statements indicate that at least 21 people, including security personnel, have lost their lives. Human rights groups said Wednesday was the “bloodiest day” so far, with 13 deaths.
Economic crisis caused it
The main factor causing the protests was the sudden devaluation of the Iranian rial and the excessive increase in the prices of basic food products. It is reported that food prices have increased by more than 70 percent compared to last year, and drug prices have increased by about 50 percent. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for “maximum restraint” against the protesters and emphasized the importance of dialogue.
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