Arrests Reported Across Several Cities
Demonstrators took to the street yesterday, protesting clerical rule, corruption and economic mismanagement. Media reports and videos posted on social networks indicated clashes between security forces and demonstrators in Isfahan. Protests were also reported in Tehran, Mashhad, Arak, Karaj, Rasht, Shiraz, Qahdarijan, Najafabad, and Eshtehard.
A number of witnesses reported seeing several individuals arrested in the vicinity of Valiasr Intersection in Tehran. One witness indicated that some of those arrested were placed in unmarked vans, while others were placed in vans belonging to the police. Both police and plainclothes agents were involved in making the arrests. The arrests were mostly made between 8 and 9 PM.
A source in Shiraz reported that at least four protesters were arrested yesterday. According to this source, one of those arrested has been charged with acting against national security, which is punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment.
A source in Arak told IHRDC that anti-riot police arrested two men during yesterday’s protests. The police used pepper spray to subdue the individuals being arrested. According to this source another man was seen with torn clothes. This man told our source that he had been attacked by knife-wielding agents. This source also stated that the police shot protesters randomly using paintball guns.
In Isfahan at least two individuals were arrested, according to a source who spoke with IHRDC. The source stated that the anti-riot police were beating an individual with their batons despite their commander’s order not to do so.
