On Monday, February 15, the people of Iran held at least six rallies and protests in various cities, seeking their inherent rights. Farmers in Isfahan province once again gathered, protesting officials for plundering their water rights. They also resisted a crackdown by security forces and insisted on their demands.

Iranians Continue Protests; at Least Six Rallies and Strikes on February 15

Furthermore, in the provinces of Markazi, Khuzestan, Alborz, Qom, and Zanjan, workers, medical staff, locals, and stockholders vented their anger over the regime’s failure to provide their requirements.

Rally of Farmers—Iranians continue protests on February 15
Rally of Farmers—Iranians continue protests on February 15

Rally of Farmers

Isfahan province—farmers of Fizadan village, eastern Isfahan, held a rally, protesting the regime for transferring agricultural water for other consumptions.

In this respect, the State Security Forces (SSF) attacked farmers to disperse them. However, farmers resisted oppressive forces and insisted on their inherent rights.

During recent weeks, villagers in Isfahan have frequently rallied and protested the regime’s decision to deny their water rights. Previously, on January 11, 16, 18, 25, 27, and February 6 and 8, they rallied in front of government offices, seeking their water rights.

“One of the reasons for this deplorable situation is the profiteering of companies and organizations affiliated with the government. Such organizations have built the water supply industry without accurate calculation and cut the water of Zayandehroud River by creating many dams,” reported the Iran Focus website.

On February 8, the SSF along with Water Organization agents had raided farmers’ only well in Mourchehkhort district, which prompted farmers to protect their well.

However, security forces mercilessly destroyed the well, pipeline, and other equipment, contributing to the drying of thousands of trees. On the other hand, the regime’s oppressive policies had prevented farmers from starting spring planting due to the water shortage, bringing irreparable disadvantages to these people.

Rally of HEPCO Workers—Iranians continue protests on February 15
Rally of HEPCO Workers—Iranians continue protests on February 15

Rally of HEPCO Workers

Markazi province—a group of Arak HEPCO workers, gathered in the path of Arak’s railroad, asking officials to pay attention to their dilemmas and demands.

“Our concern is about work and production. Our concern is to run the factory’s production cycle and to ensure job security. In recent months, we have time and again demanded officials resolve the HEPCO factory’s dilemmas essentially,” said a protester.

Workers pointed out the issue of the factory’s debts and urged officials to back the company to resume its activities. “Some workers have not received their salaries for December 2020, and all workers did not receive their January’s salaries. They have not received the minimum wage despite the current mind-blowing inflation,” said workers.

Earlier, on February 6 and 7, workers’ representatives traveled to Tehran and held gatherings in front of the Parliament (Majlis) to attract the government’s attention to their dilemmas. However, the legislative apparatus did not care about HEPCO workers’ hardship, showing the authorities’ indifference to the dire living conditions in society, particularly among workers.

Strike of Workers—Iranians continue protests on February 15
Strike of Workers—Iranians continue protests on February 15

Strike of Workers

Khuzestan province—workers of Tehran-e Jonoub [south] company, who work in Majidieh Project, stopped working in the city of Mahshahr and continued their strike for the third day in a row, protesting officials for firing their coworkers.

“We have to rally and protest to prevent from being unemployed. If we remain indifferent about our fellow-citizens’ dismissal tomorrow, it would definitely become our turn to be dismissed as in February and March 2020, the company took the same action to escape paying Nowruz awards and rights to workers,” said workers.

Rally of Medical Staff—Iranians continue protests on February 15
Rally of Medical Staff—Iranians continue protests on February 15

Rally of Medical Staff

Alborz province—medical staff of the Imam Hassan Mojtaba Hospital in Nazar-Abad district in the city of Karaj held a rally in front of the hospital. They protested the fraud of Ali Samani-Pour, chief of the hospital’s welfare affairs.

“Samani-Pour falsely received massive sums from 80 female clinical staff and hardworking nurses. He exploited his position and deceived personnel with baseless promises. Following this fraud, medical staff face serious spiritual, economic, and family dilemmas,” said protesters.

Rally of Locals—Iranians continue protests on February 15
Rally of Locals—Iranians continue protests on February 15

Rally of Locals

Qom province—Raveh village residents blocked the road connecting a copper mine in this area. They believe that the mine’s pollution threatens the gardens and aqueducts, as well as the locals’ health. “The mine does not have environmental licenses and estimations,” protesters said.

During recent days, residents of Raveh village gathered near the copper mine, protesting the resumption of the mine’s activities in the Palang [leopard] valley.

Rally of Stockholders—Iranians continue protests on February 15
Rally of Stockholders—Iranians continue protests on February 15

Rally of Stockholders

Zanjan province—stockholders of the medical sciences university held a rally in front of the Provincial Security and Cooperative Office. They protested officials for losing their capital.

“For nearly 21 years, 5,000 families are scrambling with economic dilemmas due to the managing board’s mismanagement and insufficient supervision on its performance. We have lost our lifetime and capital. In this respect, we demanded the attorney general follow up our grievances,” said a protester.

Iranians Continue Protests; at Least Six Rallies and Strikes on February 14