Security forces suppress Iran’s Ahwaz protests as they reach fourth day

Iranian security forces, backed by units of anti-riot police and the Revolutionary Guard, suppressed night demonstrations on the fourth day of protests by Arab citizens in the center of the city on Saturday.

According to eyewitnesses, security forces used tear gas and violence against protesters to break up the demonstrations that took place west of the city.

Videos and images shared on social media and local Ahwaz TV channels showed protesters holding up signs in Arabic, English and Ahwazi calling on the UN to stop the discrimination against Arabs by Iranian authorities.

Other signs demanded the Arab League to recognize the Arab-Ahwazi problem.

According to the Ahwaz Human Rights Organization, protesters called for the release of political prisoners and an end to demographic changes that are in favor of migrants, not Arabs.

Other demands included an end to the marginalization of the Arab Ahwaz, efforts to combat poverty, unemployment and pollution.

The protests continued until the early hours of the morning on Sunday amid news of the closure of main streets by police.