Iran: Security forces beat and arrest protesting teachers in Tehran May 10

Event

Iranian security forces reportedly used force to disperse protesting teachers in Tehran on Thursday, May 10. Several of the protesters were beaten and at least six were arrested by security forces. The demonstrations were organized to demand better pay for teachers and more funding for the public education system that provides free education for children. Related demonstrations took place in Divandarreh, Isfahan, Kazeroun, Kermanshah, Mamasani county, Marivan, Qorveh, Sari, Shiraz, and Tabriz without major incident. Additional teacher protests are possible in the abovementioned cities, notably including Tehran, in the coming days and weeks. Heightened security measures and associated traffic disruptions are expected around protest sites.

Context

Iran has witnessed a multitude of protests over various grievances in cities throughout 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 the abovementioned areas, 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.