Iran Protests: Retirees Demand Justice, Citizens Condemn Violence on January 6

Staff WriterJanuary 6, 2025
Iran Protests: Retirees Demand Justice, Citizens Condemn Violence on January 6
Ali Khamenei, mired in domestic and international crises and gripped by fear of a popular uprising,

Written by
Sedighe Shahrokhi

Retired employees of the Telecommunications Company (TCI ) in Urmia, northwestern Iran, took to the streets to protest on January 6, 2025
On January 6, 2025, protests spread across Iran as retirees, workers, and citizens rallied against economic mismanagement, systemic corruption, and human rights abuses. The demonstrations spanned multiple cities, highlighting economic struggles and demands for justice, while in Sanandaj, citizens gathered to denounce the recent killing of Ghazaleh Houdi, a Kurdish woman, in a harrowing case of violence.

In Tehran, TCI retirees chanted slogans such as “Unite against tyranny” and “Shout against injustice,” joining protests nationwide to demand pension reforms and justice for economic grievances.

Also in the nation’s capital, dismissed workers of Ilam’s Arghavan Gostar Petrochemical Company gathered outside the Persian Gulf Holding offices. They called for reforms to ensure local employment opportunities, citing frustration over dismissals that left them jobless. Separately, recently retired teachers and educators rallied to demand overdue bonuses and adjustments to their pensions, which have not kept pace with rising living costs.

In Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province (southwest Iran), retirees of the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI) continued their protests. They demanded higher pensions and accused authorities of ignoring their dire economic conditions amidst rampant inflation.

In Bijar, Kurdistan Province (western Iran), TCI retirees gathered to protest corrupt management decisions and demand improved pensions, affordable living conditions, and healthcare access.

In Sanandaj, Kurdistan Province (western Iran), retirees of TCI resumed their demonstrations to demand higher pensions and basic rights. In another protest, citizens condemned the killing of Ghazaleh Houdi, a young Kurdish woman reportedly burned alive by a state-linked individual. Demonstrators chanted against systemic violence and called for justice for Ghazaleh, describing the case as emblematic of worsening human rights abuses in Iran. Security forces attempted to suppress the protest, but participants stood firm, emphasizing their calls for accountability and the protection of women’s rights.

In Ilam, Ilam Province (western Iran), TCI retirees held their weekly rally. Protesters chanted, “A bit less embezzlement and our problems will be solved,” calling for an end to corruption in the pension system and government mismanagement.

In Urmia, West Azerbaijan Province (northwest Iran), TCI retirees resumed protests against the privatization of their company, alleging that the transfer to corrupt private owners has worsened their financial conditions.

In Kermanshah, Kermanshah Province (western Iran), TCI retirees staged another protest, emphasizing that authorities continue to ignore their long-standing demands for higher pensions and better financial security amidst rising living costs.

These protests reflect growing unrest in Iran as retirees, workers, and citizens unite in their calls for economic justice and accountability. The outrage in Sanandaj over Ghazaleh Houdi’s killing further highlights broader frustrations with systemic violence and the government’s failure to protect fundamental rights.

Staff WriterJanuary 6, 2025
Arab-Islamic Committee in Defence of Ashraf
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