Protests in Khuzestan Cities Against Water Shortages
Images circulated on social media indicate protests in various cities of Khuzestan Province against power outages, water shortages, and water diversion to other regions. Gunfire can be heard in some videos.
Several cities in Khuzestan Province witnessed public demonstrations Thursday evening, July 24 (July 15) in protest against water shortages, water diversion to other areas, and repeated power cuts.
Images published on social media indicate that protest marches took place in Susangerd, Ahvaz, Shadegan, Dasht Azadegan, Hamidiyeh, Abadan, and Mahshahr.
According to the Farsi News Agency, protesters in the cities of Mahshahr, Kut Abdullah, and Mallathani blocked roads and set car tires on fire.
Farydun Bandari, acting governor of Mahshahr Port, told Farsi: “The closure of the route from Mahshahr Port to Imam Khomeini Port was not serious, and only a small number of young people, following calls on social media due to water shortage problems, took this action.”
According to him, with the presence of security and firefighting forces, the aforementioned route was reopened and made usable again.
Farsi reported that Khuzestan protesters demanded attention to the water shortage problem in the province and securing water rights for rivers and wetlands.
News published on social media indicates a slowdown in internet speed in Khuzestan, blind shooting by security forces, and declaration of emergency status by military forces.
In videos published on social media, slogans can be heard: “In the name of religion, they plundered us,” “The river is thirsty—it wants its water,” and “Our lives and blood for the Karun River.”
The Hrana human rights website reported that in Ahvaz protests, a man named Reza Salamat was arrested by security forces and transferred to an unknown location.
These protests come as water shortages in recent weeks during peak summer heat have placed excessive pressure on residents, livestock herders, and farmers, and in some areas have led to their protests against poor water resource management.
Beyond water shortages, repeated power cuts have also compounded the problem, tightening the situation particularly for Khuzestan residents.
In recent weeks, various protest gatherings have been held by workers, farmers, and livestock herders. Repeated power cuts, water shortages, problems stemming from the fifth wave of coronavirus, and economic difficulties have been factors in these protests.
Source: DW
