JEDDAH: Businesses closed and workers went on strike throughout western Iran on Wednesday to mark 40 days since the massacre of nearly 100 protesters in the restive province of Sistan-Baluchistan.
The strike was the latest sign of unrest that has shown no sign of abating since September, when Mahsa Amini, 22, died in morality police custody after being detained for wearing her hijab in an “insufficiently modest” manner.
At least 450 protesters have died in a security crackdown by Tehran regime authorities.
Wednesday’s demonstrations marked the traditional 40-day period since security forces opened fire on protesters after weekly prayers in Zahedan, provincial capital of Sistan-Baluchistan on Iran’s border with Pakistan, leaving at least 92 dead. After the massacre authorities in Zahedan sacked the local police chief.
On Wednesday shops closed, businesses shut down and activists distributed fliers calling for more protests “in solidarity with Zahedan” in the Kurdish cities of Baneh, Bukan, Kermanshah, Marivan, Sanandaj and Amini’s hometown of Saqez.
Analysts say the Baluchis have been inspired by the protests that flared over Amini’s death, which were initially driven by women’s rights but expanded over time to include other grievances.
“The protests are a convergence of angry and frustrated Iranians with the same goal, overthrowing the Islamic republic and a theocratic regime,” said Saeid Golkar, a US university professor.
Poverty-stricken Sistan-Baluchistan province is a flashpoint for clashes with drug smuggling gangs, as well as rebels from the Baluchi minority. Activists have long complained the region has been the victim of discrimination by clerical leadership, with disproportionate numbers of Baluch killed in clashes and hanged in executions.
Protests over Amini’s death have shown no signs of easing despite the brutal crackdown and a campaign of mass arrests that has netted artists, journalists and lawyers.
Young women have led the way, removing and burning their head coverings, chanting anti-regime slogans and confronting security forces on the street.
Security forces have fired directly on protesters using live ammunition, bird shot, tear gas and even paintballs.
Authorities have also imposed internet restrictions, including blocks on Instagram and WhatsApp, and have even deployed mounted police on Tehran’s streets.
A top Iranian military commander on Wednesday threatened further retribution by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “Should he decide to deal with them, rioters will no longer have a place in the country,” Brig. Gen. Kiumars Heydari said.
