Security forces clashed with demonstrators in central Tehran on Sunday, January 4th, deploying in large numbers around the main bazaar, Alaeddin shopping center and Charsou mall, Iran International reported. Many shops stayed closed, while plainclothes officers patrolled the area.
The protests began on December 28th, with Tehran shopkeepers rallying against Iran’s worsening economy and have spread to other cities. The unrests are now it entering their eighth day and have spread to more than 60 cities across 25 provinces, with universities and local bazaars at the center of the demonstrations. The western city of Malekshahi has been one of the deadliest flashpoints, with multiple confirmed deaths after security forces opened fire.
Overall, at least 15 protesters and one security officer have been killed so far, with at least 44 people wounded by live bullets or pellet guns. Iran’s Supreme Leader condemned the demonstrators as “rioters” and called for crackdowns, even as international support for the protests continues to grow.
