Following the spread of nationwide protests in Iran over the past few days, security forces have created a state of fear in some of Iran’s Kurdish cities.
Meanwhile, over the past few days, hundreds of protesters have been arrested by security forces and riot police in various western cities of Iran.
Despite the state of fear in the cities, protests have spread, especially in Kermanshah. “This afternoon, Tuesday, Jan 02, the youth protesters rallied and moved to Azadi Square although despite the extensive presence of the riot forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in the main squares of Kermanshah.”, a protester in Kermanshah told Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN).
According to this citizen, anti-riot forces are stationed in the main streets of Kermanshah in order to prevent any protest rally.
“During the first two days, most gatherings were held on the streets leading to Azadi Square in Kermanshah but, due to the presence of hundreds of riot and plain clothes forces, the protests have expanded to other streets including Nobahar, 22 Bahman, Meydan Markazi, Farhangian, Silo and etc. Moreover, a large number of people join the protests at nights.”, the protester said.
Due to filtering of the Telegram and Instagram as well as slowing down the Internet speed in Iran, there is no accurate information available about the number of injured and detained citizens. However, based on reports received by KHRN, more than 200 protesters have been arrested only in Kermanshah, Kangwar, Ilam, Asad Abad, Nourabad (Delfan), Tuyserkan, Khoramabad and Orumiyeh in recent days.
.
IRGC in Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Ilam, Lorestan, Orumiyeh and Hamadan has sent a message to its members and called for the presence of these forces and their confrontation with what they call “Fetna” (planned riot).
Message from the IRGC Corps of Kermanshah to the active members of this military institution
According to witnesses, as well as the reports released during the past few days, IRGC forces have played an active role in confronting the protests while using batons, wood and iron bars over the past two days.
“On the night of Dec 31, 2017, a number of young protesters held a quiet protest rally at the street of Imam in Delfan. This protest turned into a violent clash due to the involvement of Law Enforcement Forces and IRGC.”, an informed source in Noorabad (Delfan) from Lorestan province told KHRN.
“After the conflict, the forces shot the young protesters. Two people were seriously injured during the clash. The police and IRGC forces, identified a number of protesters and raided their homes in the morning of January 01 and at least 30 protesters were arrested and taken to an unknown location.
Last night, Sanandaj also witnessed a protest rally despite the large presence of anti-riot and IRGC forces for the second consecutive day. Riot forces are stationed in the streets leading to Azadi Square and Enghelav Square, the roofs of the city’s governmental offices and majority of the streets of this city.
Yesterday, After the protest rally began, anti-riot forces attacked protesters with tear gas and batons. During this attack, several people were injured. These forces fired for the dispersal of the people and the plainclothes forces sought to identify them by filming the protesters.
The reports from Ilam and Orumiyeh also indicate that there have been protests in the cities of Kohdasht, Orumiyeh, Ilam and Dehloran.
According to a report released on Tuesday afternoon, Jan 02 8 detainees from Orumiyeh have been transferred to the Central Prison of this city.
The nationwide protests that began earlier in protest to corruption, rising unemployment, oppression and injustice have now turned into radicalised opposition with the Islamic Republic government. At least 22 protesters have been killed by security forces in an attempt to prevent spreading the protests.
