Isfahan Farmers’ Protest at Khaju Bridge Turns Violent
A gathering of farmers on the northern side of Khaju Bridge in Isfahan turned into a confrontation with Iranian special police forces.
Farmers from eastern and western Isfahan, including farmers from Varzaneh, held protest demonstrations on Wednesday, December 12. These farmers had previously given authorities a 10-day deadline to resolve the issue of receiving their “water rights” (irrigation water allocations).
Women also participated in these protests, and reports indicated the presence of security personnel at the gatherings. The protesters intended to move from Khaju Bridge toward the Isfahan governorate building, but were blocked by special police units.
Published images show confrontations occurred during these gatherings. Additionally, in some footage, sounds resembling gunfire can be heard, with reports stating that security forces used warning shots to disperse the protesters.
While Iran faces drought conditions, officials from the Ministry of Power had promised farmers that they would receive water rights from the last water year 1397-1396, equivalent to 351 cubic meters, a promise that has yet to be fulfilled.
Farmers and their families in their gatherings announced that drought and the drying up of the Zayandeh River have created numerous livelihood problems for them in recent years.
The United States and Israel attribute environmental problems in Iran to the inattention of Islamic Republic leaders. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, offered in June to help the Iranian people overcome the drought by releasing a video.
Source: Voice of America
