Iran: Demonstrations continue nationwide January 6 /update 12

Event

Demonstrations in support of the government, as well as against it, continued in several cities around the country on Saturday, January 6. Thousands of pro-government supporters gathered in the capital city of Tehran, Amol, Semnan, and Shadegan. Media reports also said that anti-government demonstrations were held in Takestan, Arak, Masjed Soleiman, Mashhad, Qazvin, Rasht, Lahijan, and Khomein. The parents and relatives of some of the demonstrators who have been arrested also reportedly gathered outside of the Evin prison in Tehran. Further protests are likely in the coming days and clashes between rival groups of demonstrators and between demonstrators and security forces are possible.

Context

Protests against high prices, the state's economic policies, high unemployment, and perceived government corruption have sprung up in many cities across Iran, spreading from demonstrations that first occurred on December 28 in Mashhad. The ongoing protests are considered the largest such demonstrations expressing public dissatisfaction with the economic and sociopolitical status quo since the Green Movement protests of 2009. At least 21 people have been killed and over 1000 others arrested during protests across the country since late December.

The Iranian economy has generally improved since the country signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), known colloquially as the Iran nuclear deal, in 2015. Public frustration has risen in recent months, however, as the JCPOA's promised economic benefits have yet to reach much of the Iranian population.

Advice

Individuals in Iran are advised to strictly avoid all protests and public gatherings due to the risk of violence and arrest, closely monitor the situation, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. A number of countries are currently advising their citizens against travel to Iran due to the ongoing unrest.