Iran is currently awash with nationwide protests triggered by diverse socio-political crises, from the torture-related deaths of Kurdish activists to retirees’ declining living conditions and an escalating water shortage.
In Mahabad, the brutal death of a 24-year-old Kurdish political prisoner, Peyman Galvani, has particularly incensed citizens. Galvani, arrested on June 25, was reportedly tortured by security forces leading to his subsequent death in a hospital in Urmia. While authorities claimed that he had fallen from a height, images circulated on social media, revealing torture marks on his body.
Galvani’s funeral in Mahabad transformed into an anti-regime protest rally, with a large crowd chanting, “Martyrs don’t die!” while mourning the fallen activist. His demise is the second such incident in 24 hours, with reports of another Kurdish activist, Mousa Esmaili, being tortured to death.
Iran is currently awash with nationwide protests triggered by diverse socio-political crises, from the torture-related deaths of Kurdish activists to retirees’ declining living conditions and an escalating water shortage.7
In a parallel display of civil unrest, retirees and pensioners resumed protests on Monday and Tuesday against the government’s refusal to adjust pensions in line with inflation and currency devaluation. These protests have swept through several cities, including Tehran, Shiraz, Sanandaj, Kermanshah, Mashhad, Ahvaz, and Ardabil. The retirees, from various sectors, expressed their anger with slogans such as, “Rise up to eliminate discrimination!” and “Retirees, shout your rights!”
Another boiling point came from the petrochemical industry in Dehloran, western Iran, where workers rallied against the abrupt shutdown of a project providing crucial employment to the economically strained region.
July 10—Mahabad, northwest #Iran
Locals hold anti-regime protests after regime authorities kill political prisoner Peyman Galvani under torture.#IranProtests #پیمان_گلوانی pic.twitter.com/pnEM9e0AEt— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) July 10, 2023
Adding to the unrest, a severe water shortage crisis, blamed on the regime’s mismanaged environmental policies, led to rallies in various parts of the country, including Karasht village and Qazvin. In Ardabil, the retirees’ protests took on an even more desperate tone as they shouted, “High prices and inflation are killing us!”
These incidences highlight the regime’s failure to respond to the population’s pressing needs, from protecting activists and addressing retirees’ rights, to managing economic and environmental crises.
July 10—Mahabad, northwest #Iran
More footage of last night's anti-regime protests after regime authorities kill political prisoner Peyman Galvani under torture.
Protesters are chanting, "Martyrs don't die!"#IranProtests #پیمان_گلوانیpic.twitter.com/AvnpuJP8s3— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) July 11, 2023
The resilience of the Iranian people is tested, but their resolve is clear as they take to the streets to voice their demands for justice, fair economic treatment, and adequate access to natural resources. As tension rises, the world watches closely, waiting for Iran’s response.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu