Large Protest in Kazerun over Boundary Changes leads to Arrests of Protesters, Further Demonstrations Likely
Category: Unrest
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
05/17/2018 (Iran) - According to local media reports on Thursday, 17 May, large protest have continued in the city of Kazerun in south west Iran against plans by local authorities to change the city's boundaries. On Wednesday a large group of demonstrators processed through the city's main street towards the Governorate Office where they were blocked from entering by State Security Forces. These demonstrations can be seen as symptomatic of widespread discontent in many of the country's major cities with local officials who are accused of exacerbating slow economic growth. Video evidence shows demonstrators chanting "our enemy is right here, they falsely claim it is the U.S." in Farsi. Ministry of Intelligence (MOIS) personnel are thought to have arrested at least 30 protesters throughout the day whose relatives gathered outside the ministry headquarters to demand their release. The detainees remain in custody and it is unclear when they will be released, an issue which is likely to spark further protests later in the week. Also on Wednesday most market stall owners and shopkeepers in the city went on strike in solidarity with the protesters and many local services were suspended.
Members in Kazerun are advised to avoid the Governorate Office and Ministry buildings in the immediate term and should exercise caution in the medium term. Any large political gatherings should be avoided in order to reduce the chance of being affected by incidental violence and a consequent heavy-handed security response. Travellers should monitor local media sources for any further information and heed any directives issued by the authorities.
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