2018 Dervish protests

The 2018 Dervish protests were a series of protests by the Iranian Dervishes, who are members of Sufi Islam, in Tehran, Iran.[6] The protests started on 4 February,[7] and calmed down the next day. However, protests flared up again on 19 February, where 3 members of the security forces were killed after being run over by a bus.[8]

2018 Dervish protests
Part of 2017–2018 Iranian protests
Date4 February 2018 – 4 March 2018
(1 month)
LocationTehran, Iran
Caused byPossible arrest of Noor Ali Tabandeh
Several Dervishes arrested
MethodsDemonstrations, riots
StatusProtests Quelled
Parties to the civil conflict
Lead figures
Noor Ali Tabandeh Ali Khamenei
Number
Hundreds
100+[1]
Casualties
Death(s)Up to 5 protesters[2]
5 security forces[3]
Injuries170+ protesters[4]
30 security forces
Arrested360[5]

Background

The Gonabadi Dervishes are Sufi Muslims; the Iranian government considers them a threat.[9] Conversion to Sufism is frowned upon by the Shi'a religious establishment.[10]

In January 2012, at least 10 of the group's members were imprisoned in Fars province, and others may be held at Evin Prison in Tehran, including Kasra Nouri[10][11]

Protests

On 19 February, the Sufis organized a sit-in protest at a police station, located in the Pasdaran district of Tehran, where one of their members was held. Later, clashes broke out between the Sufi protestors and security forces. Police used tear gas in an attempt to disperse the protesters. Five riot police were killed.[8]

According to the Iranian press, police arrested around 300 people, and there have been reports that some of the protesters may have been killed.[12] However, the Sufi dervishes gathered around the home of their 90-year-old leader Noor Ali Tabandeh to protect him from arrest.[9]

In the aftermath of the 19 February, protests, footage emerged that showed several Sufi protesters who were arrested, being tortured by government forces.[8]

On 4 March, it was revealed that one of the protesters had died under the custody of the Iranian government.[13]

See also

References

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