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Water crisis in Iran: Clashes at farmers' demonstrations in Isfahan city
Security forces arrested more than 60 protesters rejoicing at the drying up of the Zyenda River due to the drought, and according to records posted on social media, live fire was also used.
In an attempt to stem the protest, the second of its kind in the country in recent months, internet access in the area has been restricted
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water
Guy Elster
Saturday, 27 November 2021, 19:03
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Clashes in Isfahan city, Iran, in protest of water crisis (Twitter)
Iranian police said today (Saturday) that they had arrested 67 protesters during a violent protest that took place yesterday in the city of Isfahan over the drying up of a major river in the area. Police Chief Hassan Carmi told Fares News Agency that the detainees are "the main actors and instigators behind the troubles" in the city center.
According to videos posted on social media, several protesters were injured during the clashes, during which security forces used tear gas, batons and apparently also shotguns. The protesters sided with the farmers in the area, who are furious at the lack of water due to the dehydration of the Zyenda River, the largest in the drought-stricken area.
The Fars news agency claimed that the protesters threw stones and set fire to a police motorcycle and an ambulance.
"They are part of groups of 40-50 in the streets around the Haju Bridge and an estimated number of about 300," it was reported.
NetBlocks, which monitors internet access around the world, said on Twitter that it had identified disruptions in various places in Iran since Thursday, noting that there may be a connection to demonstrations in protest of the water crisis.
(Photo: AP)
During the night, unknown individuals set fire to tents that had been used by the protesters who had been demonstrating near the river for the past two weeks.
Opponents of the regime blamed security forces, but official media described those who evacuated them as "thugs."
Farmers in Isfahan province have been protesting for years against diverting water from the river in favor of other areas, which has dried up their lands and threatened their livelihoods.
A pipe carrying water to the nearby Yazd district was repeatedly damaged.
(Photo: AP)
Protests in Isfahan come months after a similar protest over water shortages in the southern province of Hozstan, when human rights groups reported the killing of protesters by security forces, and days before the resumption of nuclear talks with the powers in Vienna.
Iran claims that the worst drought to hit it 50 is responsible for the water shortage, but the opposition is blamed for the failed management of the authorities.
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