Two Injured and Several Arrested in Protest Clash in Tabriz

Reports indicate that on Monday, November 18, protests were held in several northwestern cities of Iran, including Tabriz, Urmia, Ardabil, and Zanjan, in response to the television program 'Fitileh.' Reports from Tabriz suggest that clashes occurred between security forces and protesters, resulting in the arrest of 'some' protesters and two injuries. The airing of the children's comedy program 'Fitileh' on Iran's state television on Friday sparked anger and protests among citizens in East and West Azerbaijan, Ardabil, and Zanjan. Protesters consider the program to contain insulting content about themselves. However, the head of the state broadcasting organization has apologized for airing the program. Meanwhile, Rahim Shahriyari, the governor of Tabriz, told IRNA that a group of young people gathered in protest at 4 PM today in Tabriz, and police and security forces requested the dispersal of the protesters to prevent illegal gatherings and to maintain the security and peace of the city and the safety of people's lives and property. The governor stated that this gathering 'led to a limited occurrence of minor tension, which quickly ended.' He added that two individuals were injured from stone impacts to the head during this gathering. The governor did not provide further details about the injured individuals. Meanwhile, the central news unit of the state radio and television reported that 'during today's gathering in Tabriz, some individuals took advantage of the peaceful protest against a program on Channel Two, causing damage to some public places, which resulted in police intervention and the arrest of some disruptors and those attacking public property.' The central news unit did not specify the number of individuals arrested during this protest. Additionally, some reports indicate that police used tear gas to disperse protesters in Tabriz. The central news unit stated that, in addition to Tabriz, protests were also held on Monday in the cities of Urmia, Ardabil, and Zanjan. The head of the state broadcasting organization expressed 'deep regret for the unforgivable error and negligence' in part of the 'Fitileh' program, stating that 'serious action will be taken against the managers and individuals involved in this regrettable issue that has caused distress to our dear Azerbaijani compatriots.' Following the reactions to the airing of 'Fitileh' on Friday, the head of Channel Two of the state television reprimanded two individuals and dismissed one supervisory official. Earlier, the state broadcasting organization announced that the airing of the 'Fitileh' program has been halted.