2023 (1402 in the Persian calendar) was a year marked by significant social unrest in Iran. The Iranian people delivered a resounding rejection of the regime’s legitimacy through their boycott of parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections. Despite widespread repression, particularly targeting women, various segments of society took to the streets to defend their fundamental rights.
A Landscape of Discontent: Protest Statistics by Profession
The following breakdown details the number of protests staged by different professional groups:
- Retirees: 1457
- Workers: 746
- Merchants: 172
- Nurses: 105
- Cultivators: 77
- Farmers: 41
- Students: 39 (combined listing)
- Lawyers: 17
- Doctors: 12
- Taxi Drivers: 8
- Truck Drivers: 8
- Other Professions: 645
This data reveals a total of 3342 documented protests throughout the year.
Fueling the Flames: Key Characteristics of the Protests
The primary driver of the protests was economic hardship and concerns about livelihoods. Notably, the people of Zahedan in Sistan and Baluchestan province held consistent weekly protests until September 2023.
Several recurring themes emerged across different professions:
- Retirees: Telecommunication, steel, and social security retirees demanded the full implementation of employment regulations, better living conditions, and fair wages. Protests arose due to low pensions, unfulfilled loan promises, and unequal pay compared to active employees.
- Workers: Dismissals, unpaid salaries and benefits, low wages, and unsafe working conditions fueled protests by this sector. Additionally, workers demanded job security and basic workplace amenities. Factory closures and privatizations further aggravated the situation.
- Merchants: New laws, exorbitant taxes, rising rent for business spaces, currency fluctuations, and shop closures sparked protests among merchants. They also condemned the execution of Kurdish prisoners and excessive regulations regarding dress code.
- Nurses: Inadequate pay, forced overtime, exhausting workloads, and the non-payment of promised benefits were central issues for nurses.
- Teachers: Unstable employment contracts, lack of job security, unqualified trainers, and unpaid salaries fueled protests by teachers.
- Farmers: Water rights disputes, power cuts affecting irrigation, unfair pricing for crops, and water transfer plans were major concerns for farmers. They also protested against the government’s seizure of pastures and non-renewal of licenses.
- Students: The poisoning of female students by state actors, restrictive dress codes, educational limitations, executions, and the overall university environment fueled student protests. Additionally, issues like dormitory conditions, food quality, and discriminatory policies were addressed.
- Professionals: Lawyers protested against the government’s attempt to control licensing authority for the legal profession. Doctors voiced concerns about online drug sales and shortages.
The Rhythm of Discontent: Seasonal Trends
December witnessed the highest number of protests at 395, while March saw the least with 129. This trend suggests a potential correlation between economic difficulties and increased social unrest during the year-end holiday season.
Conclusion
The widespread protests in Iran throughout 2023 paint a picture of a society grappling with economic hardship, political disenfranchisement, and social injustices. The data presented in this report provides a glimpse into the diverse range of grievances fueling this social movement. It remains to be seen how the Iranian government will respond to the persistent demands of its people for a more just and equitable society.
