Large scale protests are taking place in the Muslim country Iran. Huge unrest is being seen on the streets of many cities and towns. Lakhs of people have come out on the streets. Slogans of ‘Mullahs will have to leave Iran’ and ‘Down with dictatorship’ are being raised. After all, let us understand what is the reason behind this demonstration…
The biggest protests in Iran in three years began on Monday, as the country’s currency fell to a record low against the US dollar and the head of the central bank resigned. State TV reported the resignation of Mohammad Raza Farzeen. The national currency fell to a historic low on Sunday. After this, traders and shopkeepers started protesting at different places in Iran.
Lakhs of traders took to the streets in the capital Tehran
The country’s merchants and shopkeepers also rallied on Saadi Street in downtown Tehran, as well as in the Shush area near Tehran’s main Grand Bazaar. From the capital Tehran to many other cities, the streets are buzzing with protesters. Slogans were raised – “Mullahs must leave Iran”, “Down with the dictator” and “Neither Gaza, nor Lebanon, my life is for Iran”. This time the main reason for the protests is the deepening economic crisis, which is destroying the everyday lives of common people.
Reason behind protests in Iran
Iran’s national currency suffered an unprecedented plunge on Sunday when the Iranian rial fell to 1.42 million against the US dollar, a more than 56% drop in value in six months. This was a turning point for an already struggling economy and population. Inflation has increased significantly due to the falling currency, with food prices increasing by an average of 72% compared to the same time last year.
Police fired tear gas on protesters
In some places in Tehran, police also fired tear gas to disperse protesters. The protests that began on Monday were the largest since 2022, when demonstrations broke out across the country following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Zeina Amini in police custody. She was arrested by the police for allegedly not wearing hijab properly. Despite Iran’s strict security system, people are no longer ready to remain silent. The crowd gathered on the streets is a witness to this.
The slogans demanding the end of Maulvi rule are a mixed result of years of suppressed anger. There is anger among the people against the present government.