Protests on June 18 in Rasht

On June 18, 2003 (28 Khordad 1382), a crowd of about 2,000 people, mostly young individuals, gathered in one of the main streets of Rasht (Mikael Intersection) to protest. The announcement of the protest had been circulated a few days earlier through leaflets. The demonstrators chanted slogans demanding the resignation of Mohammad Khatami, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and called for the release of political prisoners. The protest eventually ended with an attack by thugs from the Ansar Hezbollah and intervention by riot police. During these attacks, four people were injured, and several were arrested, although some were released shortly after. However, it is reported that many of these individuals are still in custody. Notably, despite the Hezbollah thugs filming and photographing the crowd to instill fear, most people remained indifferent to this intimidation. The police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, but the law enforcement had a relatively appropriate response to the people. It is worth mentioning that in recent days, the Grand Escalator Market in Rasht and the Fatimiyah Mosque on Manzariyeh Street were set on fire. Some of the protesters' slogans included: -- Political prisoners must be freed. -- Freedom of thought cannot be achieved with beards and hair. -- Khatami, Khatami, resign, resign. -- Police, support, support. -- Cannon, tank, firecrackers no longer have an effect.