On June 18, widespread protests and strikes erupted across Iran, highlighting the country’s deepening economic woes and growing political discontent. Demonstrations occurred in major cities including Tehran, Kermanshah, and Ardabil, with citizens voicing their frustrations over various issues from low pensions to unpaid wages.
In Tehran, a significant protest occurred as customers of Bank Mellat gathered to demand the return of their lost assets. The peaceful rally quickly turned chaotic as security forces launched a brutal crackdown, resulting in several arrests. Eyewitnesses described the scene as “a wild assault” by the authorities, targeting not only the protesters but also several retirees who had joined the demonstration.
June 18—Tehran, #Iran
Security forces attack customers of Bank Mellat who had rallied to protest the loss of their assets.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/6vUbDUxbzP— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) June 18, 2024
Meanwhile, in Kermanshah, retirees from government offices, the telecommunications industry, medical sciences universities, and the Social Security Organization staged a protest outside the city’s pension fund office on Kasra Street. The retirees demanded better pensions and basic rights, citing the increasing difficulty of surviving on their current stipends. The turnout reflected the widespread dissatisfaction among the retired population, many of whom struggle with the rising cost of living.
More footage of the protest rally by retirees in Kermanshah, demanding higher pensions and basic needs denied to them by the regime.#Iran #IranProtestspic.twitter.com/5fS9ymyLgC
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) June 18, 2024
In Ardabil’s Namīn district, workers from the Arta Industrial Group went on strike, protesting against delayed wages and poor working conditions. The workers’ strike underscored the broader labor unrest brewing in Iran, where many employees face economic instability and a lack of support from their employers and the government.
Adding to the nationwide unrest, political prisoners across multiple prisons, including Ghezel Hesar, Evin, Khorramabad, Karaj Central, Khoy, Naqadeh, Vakilabad Mashhad, and Saqqez, began a hunger strike as part of the “Tuesdays of No to Execution” campaign. This marks the 21st week of the campaign, which aims to protest against the increasing rate of executions in Iran. The strikers issued a statement condemning the recent release of Hamid Noury, a former prison guard involved in the 1988 mass executions, labeling it as a “disgraceful deal” that undermines human rights and emboldens the regime’s oppressive tactics.
These widespread protests highlight the multifaceted crises facing Iran today. From financial instability and inadequate social services to political repression and human rights abuses, the grievances of the Iranian people are mounting.
PMOI Resistance Units: "Shame on European states for appeasing the mullahs' regime in Iran"#Iran #PMOI #ResistanceUnits pic.twitter.com/K6x6c6Fpqy
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) June 18, 2024
