On Tuesday, December 12, protests over living conditions were held by a number of state pensioners in at least six cities across Iran. The protesters criticized the economic and managerial policies of the Islamic Republic and called for the release of imprisoned teachers. According to reports received by Voice of America and shared on social media, gatherings of state pensioners, including teachers, took place in cities such as Ardabil, Qazvin, Arak, Kermanshah, Sanandaj, and Ahvaz. These protests have been occurring weekly on Tuesdays for months, with pensioners and beneficiaries demanding their rights through economic and professional slogans. Among the demands of the protesting pensioners are the 'implementation of salary equalization with comparable active workers based on 90%' and the provision of their livelihood and dignity. In the Ahvaz gathering, the protesting pensioners emphasized the need for the release of imprisoned teachers while supporting Farzaneh Zilabi, a lawyer for workers. The participants in these gatherings highlighted their professional rights with slogans such as 'Our pain is your pain, people join us,' 'Pensioners rise up, to eliminate discrimination,' 'Our salaries are in rials, expenses are in dollars,' 'Imprisoned teachers must be freed,' 'If one embezzlement is reduced, our problem will be solved,' and 'Pensioners shout, demand your rights.' The continuation of the pensioners' protests, which take place on various days of the week in cities across Iran, comes as members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly voted to gradually increase the retirement age while reviewing the 'Seventh Development Plan.' This move has faced opposition from media and unions; for instance, the Tehran Islamic Labor Councils Association has requested the Guardian Council not to approve this resolution. Meanwhile, the Assembly rejected the overall budget bill for the year 1403 in a public session on December 12. Additionally, in previous days, Ebrahim Raisi requested some parliamentary sessions to be held in private, citing the impact of certain issues under discussion on the market, while economic management issues continue to drive various citizens to protest. In this context, Hamid Asifi, an analyst on Iranian affairs, previously told Voice of America that society's tolerance for economic pressures has reached its limit.
Protests by State Pensioners in Iran Demand Freedom for Imprisoned Teachers
State pensioners in Iran protested in at least six cities, demanding better living conditions and the release of imprisoned teachers. The protests reflect ongoing discontent with the government's economic policies and have been occurring weekly for months. This situation highlights the growing frustration among various social groups in Iran regarding economic management.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
State pensioners in Iran held protests in multiple cities demanding better living conditions and the release of imprisoned teachers. These protests are part of a series of ongoing demonstrations against economic policies.
- Protests occurred in at least six cities including Ardabil and Ahvaz.
- Protesters demand salary equalization and the release of imprisoned teachers.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has been facing significant economic challenges, exacerbated by international sanctions and internal policy decisions, leading to widespread public dissatisfaction.
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