2018 Iranian water protests
The 2018 Iranian water protests were a series of protests by the Iranians living in the cities of Khorramshahr and Abadan, who are protesting the shortage of clean drinking water.[7] The protests started on 20 June in Abadan, before escalating on 30 June in Khorramshahr and turning violent.[7]
2018 Iranian water protests | |||
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Part of 2017–2018 Iranian protests | |||
Date | 20 June 2018 – July 2018 | ||
Location | Abadan, Khorramshahr, Ahvaz Mahshahr, Bandar-e Emam Khomeyni | ||
Caused by | Lack of clean drinking water | ||
Methods | Demonstrations, riots | ||
Parties to the civil conflict | |||
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Lead figures | |||
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Number | |||
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Casualties | |||
Death(s) | Up to 4 protesters[2][3] | ||
Injuries | 11+ protesters[4] 10 security forces[5] | ||
Arrested | 10[6] |
Timeline
20 June
On 20 June, people in Abadan gathered in front of the water and sewage system offices and protested undrinkable water. A day before the protests, the water and sewage department in Abadan had declared that water would be rationed in Abadan.[8]
23 June
Hundreds of people in Abadan again protested the lack of clean water in front of the Governor's office. The protesters chanted against the Governor and authorities responsible for the city's supply of water.[8]
30 June
Hundreds of people, who were protesting the lack of clean drinking water, clashed with police on 30 June in Khorramshahr. IRNA news agency reported that the protesters were chanting slogans against the authorities.[7] Police fired tear gas into the crowd which led to the protesters throwing rocks and garbage. Security forces eventually opened fire on the crowd, which left up to four people dead, which the authorities deny.[9][4]
The protests, which were solely directed at the lack of clean water in the beginning, turned political, with people chanting "In the name of religion, they plundered us", and "Get lost, governor".[4]
1 July
In response to the violent crackdown in Khorramshahr the previous day, thousands of people across Khuzestan province took to the streets in support of the protests in Khorramshahr. Videos on social media showed protests in Ahvaz, Mahshahr, and Bandar-e Emam Khomeyni.[1]
References
- "اعتراض هزاران نفر در شهرهای خوزستان در حمایت از مردم خرمشهر". Retrieved 30 July 2018.
- "Four protesters killed in southwestern Iran after security forces open fire". Al Arabiya. 2018-07-01. Archived from the original on 2018-06-30. Retrieved 2020-01-11.
- "Iran Protests: At Least One Demonstrator Said Killed by Security Forces". 1 July 2018. Retrieved 30 July 2018 – via Haaretz.
- Farda, Radio. "Authorities Admit At Least 11 Injured In Protests Over Lack Of Water". Retrieved 30 July 2018.
- Fitch, Asa (1 July 2018). "New Unrest Roils Iran as U.S. Ramps Up Pressure". Retrieved 30 July 2018 – via www.wsj.com.
- "دستکم ۱۰ نفر در اعتراضات اخیر خوزستان بازداشت شدهاند - رادیو زمانه". 3 July 2018. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
- "Protest Over Water Scarcity Turns Violent In Southwestern Iran". RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
- Farda, Radio. "Salinity Of City Water Leads To Protests In Abadan". Retrieved 30 July 2018.
- "Several reported killed as Iranian forces open fire on protesters". Retrieved 30 July 2018.