Unrest and violence continue in western Iran

April 9, 2005

SMCCDI (Information Service) --Violent clashes continued, yesterday and this evening, in several western Iranian cities, such as, Mahabad, Baneh and Piranshahr. Hundreds of protesters came, again, into streets in order to call for a democratic change in Iran, despite the heavy presence of Islamic regime's forces.

A death and tens of injured have been reported from Mahabad alone. Additional forces sent from Marivan are unable to establish full order. Molavi area and Heyvanat Square accesses are often blocked by enflamed tires.

Slogans against the Islamic regime and its leadership are consistently shouted by protesters in chase and run actions.

Several security agents have been also injured in the clashes by armed masked individuals. Several official buildings and banks have been heavily damaged by fire.

Protesters have been energized, since Wednesday, by the events in Iraq and its electoral process having lead to the election of the new Iraqi executive.

Few Kurdish independentists tried also to transform these rallies in their favor but their calls were ignored by residents as most Iranian Kurds believe strongly in the territorial integrity of Iran. Most leaders of Iranian Kurdish parties have confirmed their attachment to Iran in various meetings or interviews. Islamic regime intelligence circles' are known for fueling independentist rumors in order to create fear of a split of Iran in case if the theocracy is overthrown.

© Copyright 2005 SMCCDI: daneshjoo.org

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