On Wednesday, for the second consecutive day, the people of Isfahan rallied against the Iranian regime’s corruption and the declining economic situation.
Clashes continue between protesters and state security forces, as seen in videos from Shapour. A unit of security forces attempted to attack protesters, but retreated when they resisted. Instead, tear gas was fired at the protesters.
President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, hailed the people of Isfahan for their resistance and said they are “heralding liberation of their land occupied by the mullahs’ religious tyranny.”
Hail to the courageous people of #Isfahan and their fearless revolt against the mullahs’ oppression. In Shapour-e Jadid, valiant youths counter tear gas and repressive forces’ savagery, heralding liberation of their land occupied by the mullahs’ religious tyranny.
According to the videos coming out of Isfahan, the protesters are chanting, “Khamenei, shame on you. Let go of your rule” — a direct challenge the highest authority in the Iranian regime, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Protesters have set fire to tires to counteract the effects of tear gas fired by security forces. Rocks and bricks litter the streets where protesters clashed with security forces. According to local reports, anti-riot police are afraid to engage in clashes with protestors and have even retreated from the angry demonstrators.
One of the popular chants is, “They’re lying that it’s the U.S.” in reference to the regime’s media propaganda that blames the country’s economic problems on foreign powers. The protesters of Isfahan are also calling for solidarity and resistance against the regime, chanting, “Don’t be afraid. We’re all together.” And this seems apparent, as the number of protesters has reached in thousands.
A large group of people gathered in the city’s Amir Kabir industrial district — renamed to Shapur — to protest against the increased cost of living, the continuous power outages, and the corrupt policies of the Iranian regime.
Merchants and retailers have closed their shops and gone on strike. Shop owners held banners in protest to high prices and their economic difficulties.
The people are chanting slogans that reflect the current economic woes, such as, “Death to high prices. Death to unemployment. Iranians, Shapuris, support the protesters. Corrupt authorities must resign.” Slogans like, “Death to the dictator. Reformists, principlists, the game is over,” target the regime in its entirety. The protesters also call the regime’s promises “hollow lies”.
While a large contingent of its suppressive forces have been dispatched to control the situation, the protesters continue to confront the security forces, and carry on with their protests.
Many cities, including Isfahan, have seen continuous unrest since nationwide protests that spread across the country in late December, early January.
Recently, the farmers of Isfahan have also been protesting against lack of access to water and the regime’s corrupt and incompetent management of the country’s resources.
Source » NCR Iran