Iran: Protesters Demand Regime Change As Demonstrations Gather Momentum

Tehran: The anti-government protests in Iran continue to gather intensity and momentum with the agitators now demanding an overthrow of the Islamic which has held power in the west Asian country since 1979. 

The mass uprising against the Iranian regime, which has engulfed multiple cities across Iran, has now been raging for over four days now, with reports of deaths and excessive use of force by the security forces coming in from various places.

What are the protesters demanding?

On Wednesday, nationwide protests continued for the fourth consecutive day in Iran. Demonstrators held rallies in several cities. Protesters took to the streets in cities such as Isfahan, Hamadan, Babol, Dehloran, Bagh-e Malek, and Piyan, chanting slogans against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, expressing support for exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi, and commemorating protesters killed in previous uprisings. The protests have now spread to 21 provinces across Iran.

In Isfahan, protesters chanted "Don't be afraid, we are all together" and "Death to the dictator" during demonstrations which continued well into the night. In Dehloran and Bagh-e Malek, protesters chanted slogans in support of the monarchy. Many chanted slogans in support of Iran's former ruler, Reza Shah Pahlavi.

How have the security forces responded?

The law enforcement agencies used force in several locations to disperse the protesters. Reports of gunfire and tear gas being used came from cities such as Nahavand, Asadabad, and Hamadan. However, the protesters appeared undeterred.

In Tehran, Sarira Karimi, a student leader at Tehran University, was detained after a raid on her home. Her whereabouts remain unknown.

Who are supporting the protesters?

The protests have also begun to receive support from some clerics. Prominent cultural and religious figures have also expressed their opinions. Sunni cleric Molavi Abdolhamid stated that poor living standards and political deadlock are the reasons behind this uprising. Renowned filmmaker Jafar Panahi described the unrest as a rebellion to "advance history." He said, "The shared pain has now turned into a cry on the streets."

Western politicians have consistently expressed their support for the protesters. US Senator Rick Scott said he was encouraged to see the Iranian people "demanding an end to Iran's brutal dictatorship," and urged them to continue their fight against the "evil regime."