Demonstrations broke out in
Iran on December 28 and have spread nationwide as protesters vent their increasing discontent over the Islamic Republic’s faltering economy and the collapse of its currency.
Dozens of people have been killed and thousands arrested as the daily protests have grown and the government seeks to contain them.
While the initial focus had been on issues like spikes in the prices of food staples and the country’s staggering annual inflation rate, protesters have now begun chanting anti-government statements as well.
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Iran imposes internet blackout as protests enter 12th day
Iran imposes internet blackout as protests enter 12th day
Here is how the protests developed:
December 28: Protests break out in two major markets in downtown Tehran, after the Iranian rial plunged to 1.42 million to the US dollar, a record low, compounding inflationary pressure and pushing up the prices of food and other daily necessities.
The government had raised prices for nationally subsidised petrol in early December, increasing discontent.
December 29: Central Bank head Mohammad Reza Farzin resigns as the protests in Tehran spread to other cities. Police fire tear gas to disperse protesters in the capital.