29 Dec 2017 | 03:50 PM UTC
Iran: Further protests over high prices in several cities Dec. 29 /update 1
Protests continue in several Iranian cities on December 29 over high prices, state economic policy, and perceived government corruption; arrests reported
Event
Anti-government protests erupted in several Iranian cities on Friday, December 29, over high prices, state economic policy, high unemployment, and perceived government corruption. Among the cities affected by the protests include Kermanshah, Tehran, and Shiraz. Around 300 protesters gathered in Kermanshah, chanting anti-government slogans before the demonstration was broken up by riot police; public property damage was reported. Nearly 50 people also gathered in related unsanctioned protests in Tehran on Friday. Some of those protesting in Tehran were temporarily detained. Similar protests were also reported in Shiraz. A heightened security presence was implemented in several Iranian cities to prevent the assembly of potential protesters, including in Kerman and Mashhad, where some 52 protesters were arrested in related demonstrations on Thursday, December 28.
A heightened security presence is expected in the affected cities in the coming days. Additional protests and consequent traffic disruptions are also possible in the coming days in Iran.
Context
The Iranian economy has generally improved since the country signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or "Iran nuclear deal," in 2015. Public frustration has risen in recent months, however, as many of the JCPOA's promised economic benefits have yet to reach much of the Iranian population. Prices of basic goods have risen by 30-40 percent in recent days, and unemployment remains high - around 12.4 percent, according to the latest figures from the Statistical Centre of Iran.
Similar protests against rising prices and high unemployment also broke out in Mashhad, Isfahan, Neyshabur, Shahroud, Yazd, and Kashmar in recent days. On December 28, around 52 people were arrested in Mashhad during protests against rising prices and unemployment.
Advice
Individuals in Iran are advised to avoid taking part in any form of protest or gathering and to monitor the situation for traffic disruptions. Generally speaking, foreign nationals in Iran should maintain a low profile and refrain from participating in rallies or adopting any anti-regime political stances when in the country due to the risk of arrest.
