50 more ‘die
in violence
across IraN
Tehran (AP) — Two days of
political and religious violence in
provincial cities have claimed 50 or
more lives in Iran, informed
sources reported yesterday.
southern city of. Sbiraz , where orthodox
Moslems clasI âd with members of the
The worst turmoil occurred in the
Babai religious sect, which Is linked
with Iran's elite.
The latest round Of clashes were be-
tween security, forces and demonstra
tom and civilian suppolters of Shah
Mohammed Rosa Pahiavi and his civil-
ian oppoflentL Thursday and yesterday
were the bloodiest days of the battles,
which began on Monday.
Deaths were. reported in three cities,
bringing the toll for the week close to
70.
lems ‘attacked a Pepsl-Cohii plant and
other businesses and hofl2 S of Bahal
In Shiraz on'- Thursday', Shilte Moe
sect members. More 1han 40 Shlltes
were killed and 50 wounded, Informed
sources said.
When tbe Shiites attacked the
homes, Bahal sect thembers opened fire
with automatic weapons, the sources
said The Bahai believers, an affluent
minority with considerable political
influence, are members of a sect that
150 years ago split from the mainstream
of Islam, rejecting Some precepts of the
Koran, the Moslem holy book.
Most Iranians, including the Shah
himself, are Shiites.
Go ernmOnt radio reported that five
persons were Slain yesterday in the
northWestern city of Rezaiyeh. -
Other sources said two adults and
t9 7fr
two hospitalized boys were killed Thurs-
day in the northeastern city of Mashad
when 100 soldiers and their relatives
attacked two hospitals, apparently be-
cause,jts staff, opponents of the shah,
refused to treat the families of imperial
soldiers.
BP000234-
• ‘ ‘• .‘. . -.
n
Women In southern Tehran s.
pick up literature from man in grave-
yard set aside for those killed hi
demonstrations against the Shah.
