Retirees and gold traders across major Iranian cities staged protests and strikes today, Sunday, May 12, denouncing economic hardships and unmet demands. In a wave of demonstrations, retirees from the Social Security Organization rallied in Ahvaz, while retired steelworkers gathered in Isfahan. Meanwhile, gold traders shuttered markets in various cities, including Kermanshah, Mashhad, Tehran, Tabriz, Yazd, Borujerd, Arak, and more.
In Tehran, retirees of the Social Security Organization intensified their protests against inadequate pensions and soaring living costs, reflecting widespread discontent among pensioners.
Additionally, in the country’s capital, defrauded creditors of the Bourse Organization held a protest rally, demanding justice and compensation for their losses, highlighting grievances against financial malpractice.
May 12—Ahvaz, southwest #Iran
Retirees and pensioners of the Social Security Organization resume protest rallies to demand higher pensions and other basic needs.
"We will only get our rights in the streets," protesters chant#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/PWyULe0DSq— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 12, 2024
In Sanandaj, western Iran, street vendors rallied against new regulations imposed by the municipality that prohibit their businesses, adding to the chorus of voices protesting economic restrictions.
In Isfahan, retired steelworkers chanted slogans demanding an end to embezzlement, declaring, “Reduce embezzlement, solve our problems,” highlighting growing frustration with corruption. In Shush, retirees from the oil industry protested outside the Social Security Organization.
The widespread strike of gold traders in cities such as Kermanshah, Mashhad, Tehran, and beyond comes in response to the contentious Clause 4 of Article 18 of the Integrated Trade System, which mandates the registration of inventory and assets by all professions and citizens.
The protests in Ahvaz and Shush underscored retirees’ grievances over poor living conditions and unmet demands. According to the state-run ILNA news agency, retirees from the Social Security Organization in Ahvaz and Shush called for the implementation of Article 96 of the Social Security Law, which ensures regular pension payments based on the poverty line. Additionally, retirees demanded free healthcare services and adequate welfare facilities.
Lastly, in Arak, central Iran, retirees and pensioners of the Social Security Organization renewed their protest rallies, demanding higher pensions and essential needs as stipulated by the regime’s own laws. “We will not live in disgrace,” echoed the protesters, emphasizing their determination to fight for dignity and justice.
May 12—Shush, southwest #Iran
Retirees and pensioners of the Social Security Organization resume protest rallies in front of the local offices of the organization to demand higher pensions and other basic needs required by the regime's own laws.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/Bqsqg9OwJP— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 12, 2024
Per Article 96 of the Social Security Law, the Social Security Organization is obligated to adjust pension payments proportionally to the rising cost of living, approved by the Council of Ministers, at intervals of no more than once a year.
The protests signal mounting discontent among various segments of Iranian society, highlighting economic challenges and unaddressed grievances. As tensions continue to simmer, authorities face increasing pressure to either give in to people’s demands or face the consequences of their own mishandling.
May 12—Isfahan, central #Iran
Retirees of the steel industry hold protest rally, protesting low pensions, lack of implementation of pension adjustment laws, and violation of their basic rights.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/OGh5yGH25E— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 12, 2024