30 Dec 2017 | 09:56 PM UTC
Iran: Protests continue for third consecutive day Dec. 30 /update 2
Anti-government protests continue for a third consecutive day across the country December 30; pro-government demonstrations also taking place
Event
Protests against high prices, state economic policy, high unemployment, and perceived government corruption continued in several cities across the country for a third consecutive day on Saturday, December 30. According to social media reports, demonstrations have taken place in Mashhad, Tehran, Qom, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Arak, Ardabil, Rasht, Qazvin, Hamedan, Ahvaz, and Zanjan. In Tehran, around 70 students reportedly gathered outside of Tehran University and threw stones at police officers.
Pro-government demonstrations also took place on Saturday to mark the end of discontent during the 2009 “Green Revolution.” Around 2000 people gathered in Tehran in support of the government’s current policies. Abdolrahman Rahmani Fazli, the Interior Minister, warned citizens on December 30 not to participate in any illegal gatherings.
A heightened security presence is expected in the affected cities in the coming days. Additional protests and consequent traffic disruptions are also possible in the coming days in Iran.
Context
At least 50 people have been arrested over the past three days of protests. The Iranian economy has generally improved since the country signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or "Iran nuclear deal," in 2015. Public frustration has risen in recent months, however, as many of the JCPOA's promised economic benefits have yet to reach much of the Iranian population. Prices of basic goods have risen by 30-40 percent in recent days, and unemployment remains high - around 12.4 percent, according to the latest figures from the Statistical Centre of Iran.
Similar protests against rising prices and high unemployment also broke out in Mashhad, Isfahan, Neyshabur, Shahroud, Yazd, and Kashmar in recent days. On December 28, around 52 people were arrested in Mashhad during protests against rising prices and unemployment.
Advice
Individuals in Iran are advised to avoid taking part in any form of protest or gathering and to monitor the situation for traffic disruptions. Generally speaking, foreign nationals in Iran should maintain a low profile and refrain from participating in rallies or adopting any anti-regime political stances when in the country due to the risk of arrest.
