Iran News: Iran Witnesses Widespread Protests Over Economic and Social Issues on August 4, 2024
Written by
Mansoureh Galestan
Retirees from the education sector and the Social Security Organization held a protest rally in Tehran, reiterating their demands for higher pensions and fulfilling basic needs. This rally reflects a broader wave of discontent spreading across the country.
In Kermanshah, western Iran, retirees from various sectors also gathered to demand better pensions and basic necessities. The protest in Kermanshah echoes similar sentiments expressed by retirees in Ahvaz, southwest Iran, who took to the streets with the same demands.
In Shush, retirees of the Social Security Organization protested against poverty and deprivation, joining the nationwide call for improved pensions and essential resources.
Urban truck drivers in Isfahan, central Iran, protested against low fuel rations, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by different professional groups amid the country’s economic challenges.
August 4—Tehran, Iran
Retirees of the education sector and the Social Security Organization hold protest rally, reiterating their demand for higher pensions and basic needs.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/p2c2c7AvEI— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 4, 2024
Meanwhile, oppressive actions in Evin Prison have further fueled tensions. In response to political prisoners’ protests against the execution sentence of Pakshan Azizi, authorities banned in-person visits for dozens of female inmates. These women had previously staged a sit-in on July 25 and 27, chanting slogans such as “Death to the execution regime” and “Death to the dictator.” The ban was announced on August 3, and in response, the prisoners vowed to continue their protests against this violation of their fundamental rights.
Additionally, human rights sources report a tragic incident in Minab, Hormozgan Province, where five people, including two fuel porters, were killed following a police chase. The incident, which occurred on August 3, involved the police using a private Hilux vehicle to pursue a fuel-porting car, leading to a collision with a Samand car carrying a family, resulting in a fatal fire. A local human rights monitoring organization shared images of the incident on social media, highlighting the tragic loss of life, which included the two porters and three family members.
August 4—Shush, southwest #Iran
Retirees of the Social Security Organization hold rally, demanding higher pensions and other basic needs.
"Our monthly pensions only cover one week's expenses," protesters chant#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/0B1Qv4e4ns— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) August 4, 2024
These events illustrate the mounting pressures and discontent within Iran, as various groups continue to demand better economic conditions and respect for their rights amidst the regime’s oppressive measures and mismanagement.