NCRI – Publication of a cartoon in the state-run daily IRAN provoked widespread protests in Iranian Azerbaijan province, northwestern Iran.
The protests were sparked first in Tabriz University last week where students set fire to copies of the offensive daily. It rapidly spread to other parts of Tabriz, the provincial capital of Iranian Azerbaijan.
Protest demonstrations in the city turned violent yesterday and a number of cars were set on fire. The security forces had to intervene to disperse the crowed using teargas.
The protests spread to neighboring provinces including Ardebil according to ILNA state-run news agency. Shops were closed yesterday as a sign of protest and people from all walks of life staged gatherings and demonstrations in the provincial capital chanting anti-government slogans.
