Today, June 8, protests erupted in several Iranian cities, including Ilam, Zanjan, Sirjan, and Semnan, as various groups expressed their frustration over unmet demands, rising costs, and what they perceive as rampant corruption and exploitation by the clerical regime.
In Ilam, a group of bakery operators gathered to protest against economic hardships and unfulfilled promises. Similarly, truck drivers in Sirjan demonstrated against the inadequate fuel distribution system. One driver explained, “Due to the shortage of fuel, we can only work two to three days a week. Each truck supports at least two families. With these conditions, what are we supposed to do?”
June 8—Ilam, western #Iran
Bakery operators rally to protest bread pricing policies and poor living conditions of workers.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/p79nbmYBaZ— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) June 8, 2024
The fuel allocation issue is a major concern for the drivers. “While a regular car gets 43 liters every 15 days, we get less than 500 liters for trucks, which is insufficient for our needs,” another driver remarked, highlighting the disparities in fuel distribution.
In Zanjan, landowners from the Gavazang village protested in front of the governor’s office. Their grievances stem from what they describe as the regime’s failure to address their land rights and economic injustices.
In Semnan, workers at the “Sodium Carbonate” factory in the Sorkheh industrial zone staged a protest, demanding clarity on their labor rights and improvements in their working conditions. The labor protests were sparked by the factory management’s failure to address previous demands, including forming a labor council and increasing wages.
June 8—Semnan, northern #Iran
Workers of the sodium carbonate factory located in Sorekh industrial town in Semnan hold protest rally, demanding the clarification of the status of their demands.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/UOXI8RB0op— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) June 8, 2024
A representative from the workers told the state-run ILNA News Agency, “Our main demands are the establishment of a labor council, a salary increase with overtime pay, bonuses, and other job benefits, which we emphasized in last week’s protest.”
Simultaneously, a labor organization in Semnan called for the complete elimination of contracting companies and the full implementation of the second phase of the job classification plan, following a strike and protest by non-formal oil workers.
June 8—Gavazang, northwest #Iran
Protest gathering of Gavazang land owners in front of Zanjan Governorate regarding the non-issuance of permits for construction. #IranProtests pic.twitter.com/4Q4tNPgwBP— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) June 8, 2024
These protests are the latest in a series of nationwide demonstrations reflecting widespread discontent with the economic situation and the government’s handling of various issues. As the unrest grows, the regime faces mounting pressure to address the grievances of its citizens or face the consequences of its negligence.
