Iran: Protests continue in Kazeroun May 17 /update 1

Event

Protests continued for a second consecutive day in Kazeroun (Fars province) on Thursday, May 17. Thursday's protests came after at least three protesters were reportedly killed in clashes with security forces on the night of Wednesday, May 16 (local time). At least 75 demonstrators have been wounded and hundreds arrested in the protests since Wednesday. Additional protests are possible in Kazeroun in the coming days; a heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near protest sites.

Context

Multiple demonstrations have been organized in Kazeroun over the past two months to denounce a plan by authorities to divide the area into multiple administrative entities.

Iran has witnessed a multitude of protests over various grievances in cities across the country since December 2017. In recent weeks, protests and strikes have been held in cities throughout Iran over water issues, insufficient wages, political prisoners, border closures, political administration issues, poor university administration, and mismanagement of financial institutions.

Advice

Individuals in Iran, particularly in Kazeroun, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.