Gunmen shot dead at least 15 people in the Iranian city of Shiraz on Wednesday. Iranian media report that ten others were injured. Three assailants opened fire on those present at the shrine of Shah Cheragh, an important Shia holy site.
According to the official website of the judiciary, two armed men were arrested after the attack on the mosque. The third is still on the run. The attack bears the signature of Sunni extremists. These were previously aimed at the country’s Shia majority. It comes as Iran has been rocked by anti-government demonstrations for more than a month.
Mass protests don’t stop
The trigger for the systemic mass protests in Iran was the death of 22-year-old Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini. The vice squad arrested her for allegedly violating the Islamic dress code. The woman died in police custody on September 16. Since her death, thousands across the country have demonstrated against the government’s repressive course and Islamic rule system.
Crowds took to the streets on Wednesday, 40 days after Mahsa Amini’s death. In her hometown, people flocked to the grave along a main road, blocking traffic in one direction. In Iran, people traditionally mourn the death of a family member for 40 days. Activists had previously called for nationwide protests on the day of mourning.
Tear gas against doctors
In the capital Tehran, security forces used tear gas against a demonstration by doctors. The doctors demonstrated on Wednesday against the presence of security forces in the clinics, where participants in the protests are also treated. Eyewitnesses confirmed a massive presence of police officers and checkpoints on Tehran’s main streets. Many shops were closed for fear of riots. The situation in Tehran was tense. In many places, protesters also chanted anti-Muslim Republican slogans.
Students also continued to protest at universities in Iran on Wednesday. In Tehran and other parts of the country, there were also clashes with university security forces, who acted violently, as videos on social networks showed. These reports could not be independently verified initially. Meanwhile, Iran responded to sanctions against the country and put European politicians and institutions on a sanction list.
Human rights activists say more than 10,000 people have been arrested in connection with protests and at least 240 have been killed.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
