Iranians Continue Protests; at Least Three Rallies and Strikes on January 30

On Saturday, January 30, Iranian citizens from different walks of life continued their protests against the regime and its plundering and profiteering policies. In this context, the Iranian people held at least three rallies and strikes in three provinces.

In Khuzestan province, outraged people of Khomeini port expressed their discontent over the regime’s failure to resolve their fundamental dilemmas. Furthermore, residents of Rasht city in Gilan province, northern Iran, protested high prices. Also, a group of teachers continued their protest and held a rally once again in Yazd province.

The continuation of protests over economic grievances shows that Iranians see no way to obtain their inherent rights except to raise their voices. In recent weeks, officials from both the regime’s factions have frequently warned about society’s volatile conditions and people’s readiness for another round of nationwide protests.

Rally of Coastal People

Khuzestan province—following the visit of Iran’s First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, locals of Khomeini port held a rally to voice their protests.

Impoverished people demanded the government recognize this port as a county. Angry protesters reminded officials of their promises about turning Khomeini port into a county. Locals also expressed their anger over the lack of public services and officials’ indecision to resolve this dilemma.

People Protest Rampant Increase in Prices

Gilan province—residents of Rasht city, the province’s capital, protested the unbridled rise in the prices of essential goods. The people particularly blamed officials for failing to control fruit prices.

“Impoverished people, I am really sorry for you. The price of bananas has reached 480,000 rials [$1.92] per kilogram, grapes price 200,000 rials [$0.80] per kilogram, and tangerines 180,000 rials [$0.72] per kilogram. I am really sorry for the people. I am really sorry for the government. One month ago, the price of bananas was 150,000 rials [$0.60] per kilogram; one week ago, it was 200,000 rials [$0.80]; and today it has reached 480,000 rials [$1.92] per kilogram,” reported a citizen from a market.

Rally of Contract Teachers

Yazd province—contract teachers held a rally in front of the local education department in Yazd. They urged officials to pursue their demands.

Notably, teachers in the province have held numerous rallies in recent weeks. For instance, on December 28, 2020, teachers affiliated with the literacy movement held a rally, demanding officials clarify their employment status.

From 2013 to 2019, teachers have worked for the country’s Education Department. However, after six years, officials refrained from recruiting them officially and left them in dire economic conditions amid the coronavirus outbreak.