Iran calmer despite more ‘riots’ over oil price hikes

Iran said it still faces “riots” even though the situation was calmer yesterday after days of violent protests sparked by a shock decision to hike petrol prices in the sanctions-hit country.

Major roads have been blocked, banks torched and shops looted in the nationwide unrest that has left at least two dead—a civilian and a policeman.

Footage of the violence showing masked young men on debris-strewn streets setting buildings ablaze has been aired on state television, which rarely shows any signs of dissent.

The Basij militia, whose commander Brigadier General Gholamreza Soleimani said “America’s plot (had) failed”, reported looting, according to semi-official news agency ISNA.

Demonstrations broke out on Friday after it was announced that the price of petrol would be raised by 50 percent for the first 60 litres and 200 percent for any extra fuel after that each month.

The authorities in the Islamic republic say they have arrested more than 200 people and restricted internet access.

Netblocks, a website that monitors net traffic, tweeted: “40 hours after #Iran implemented a near-total internet shutdown, connectivity to the outside world remains at just 5% of ordinary levels”.

 

Iran calmer despite more riots over oil price hikes

Iran said it still faces riots even though the situation was calmer yesterday after days of violent protests sparked by a shock decision to hike petrol prices in the sanctions-hit country. Major roads have been blocked, banks torched and shops looted in the nationwide unrest that has left at least two deada civilian and a policeman. Footage of the violence showing masked young men on debris-strewn streets setting buildings ablaze has been aired on state television, which rarely shows any signs of dissent. The Basij militia, whose commander Brigadier General Gholamreza Soleimani said Americas plot (had) failed, reported looting, according to semi-official news agency ISNA. Demonstrations broke out on Friday after it was announced that the price of petrol would be raised by 50 percent for the first 60 litres and 200 percent for any extra fuel after that each month. The authorities in the Islamic republic say they have arrested more than 200 people and restricted internet access. Netblocks, a website that monitors net traffic, tweeted: 40 hours after #Iran implemented a near-total internet shutdown, connectivity to the outside world remains at just 5% of ordinary levels.