Protests in Iran

Via the BBC:  Iran cities hit by anti-government protests.

Anti-government demonstrations that began in one city on Thursday have now spread to several major cities in Iran.

Large numbers are reported to have turned out in Rasht, in the north, and Kermanshar, in the west, with smaller protests in Shiraz, Isfahan and Hamadan.

The protests began against rising prices but have spiralled into a general outcry against clerical rule.

[…]

The demonstrations are the most serious and widespread expression of public discontent in Iran since protests in 2009 that followed a disputed election, correspondents say.

Demonstrators were reportedly heard yelling slogans including “The people are begging, the clerics act like God”. Protests have even been held in Qom, a holy city home to powerful clerics.

FILED UNDER: Asia, Middle East, World Politics, , ,
Steven L. Taylor
About Steven L. Taylor
Steven L. Taylor is a Professor of Political Science and a College of Arts and Sciences Dean. His main areas of expertise include parties, elections, and the institutional design of democracies. His most recent book is the co-authored A Different Democracy: American Government in a 31-Country Perspective. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas and his BA from the University of California, Irvine. He has been blogging since 2003 (originally at the now defunct Poliblog). Follow Steven on Twitter

Comments

  1. James Pearce says:

    “Regime change,” even if not total, was only going to come from within. So I wish them well in that endeavor.

    But I’m dubious about a peaceful outcome.