Violent protests spread across Iran border province
Chaos, tension and a widespread internet blackout were reported from Iran’s southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan three days after security forces killed a number of local fuel traders.
Angry protests continued to break out several cities across Sistan-Baluchistan province for the third day in a row. According to local activists, at least two more people were killed, bringing the overall death toll to 12. Those figures, however, have been denied by Iranian officials.
The turmoil began in the city of Saravan earlier this week after members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps opened fire on unemployed locals who have been struggling to earn an income by carrying untaxed fuel across the border to Pakistan.
The killings prompted demonstrations from angry people who broke into the governor’s office in Saravan. Yet in the past two days, the rage has spilled over into other cities, including Mehrestan, Iranshahr and the provincial capital, Zahedan, where a heavy police presence has been reported.
In an attempt to curb the tension, Iranian officials have largely disrupted internet connections across the province, making it harder for protesters to organize new gatherings.
