NCRI – Merchants went on strike over the sudden hike in value added tax (VAT) regulations imposed by the mullahs' regime in Tehran, central city of Isfahan, southern city of Shiraz, holy city of Mashhad and Qazvin, some 170 km northwest of the capital.
On Tuesday, the fourth day of the strikes, more than 3,000 protesting shopkeepers closed down their businesses and marched to the governor's office in Isfahan.
The merchants demonstrated in Enqelab Square, Char-Baqe Abassi, Isfahan's main bazaar as well as Bahonar, Hendiha, Alameh, Masjed-Jame, Sabzeh-Meidan, Sepah and Qeysarieh bazaars as well as home appliances of Moshir Square, reported the state-run media.
Merchants of major cities such as Mashhad, Shiraz, Qazvin, Tehran and the northern city of Tabriz protested to the rule and the law barring them from "blocking the walkways outside shops."
The State Security Forces – suppressive mullahs' police — attacked the shopkeepers attempting to break up their strike in Qazvin.
Merchant representatives have vowed to join the strikes if their demands of lifting the VAT are not met by the government in greater Tehran, Tabriz, Mashhad and Shiraz bazaars, soon.
Secretariat of the National council of resistance of Iran
October 9, 2008
