Iran Protests: Widespread Demonstrations Across Sectors Highlight Economic and Social
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Tehran – Employees of local Justice Shares cooperatives protest outside the Ministry of Cooperatives on Saturday, January 25, 2025
In recent days, protests have erupted across Iran as workers, citizens, and activists demand justice and accountability amid worsening economic conditions, environmental degradation, and government oppression. These demonstrations have reflected the growing discontent across the country, uniting diverse groups in defiance of the regime’s policies.
On Saturday, January 25, more than 2,000 contract and outsourced workers in the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors held a large protest in Tehran outside the presidential office. The protesters, who traveled from cities such as Gachsaran and Bandar Imam, called for direct contracts with the Ministry of Oil, fair wages, and an end to exploitative contractor practices. Protesters carried placards reading “No more promises; our tables are empty!” and “We don’t want contractors; we don’t want exploitation!” Women workers were also present, holding signs that read “No to exploitation; no to contractors.” These workers also demanded proper implementation of the job classification system, better benefits, and parity with full-time employees.
Also in Tehran, aspiring teachers protested outside the Ministry of Education over alleged systemic errors in exam results that denied them rightful employment. Protesters claimed that 12,000 unqualified individuals were hired instead of them, citing administrative mistakes and unjust practices. They demanded transparency, the reinstatement of their scores, and an increase in available positions to address the issue.
January 25—Arak, central Iran
Residents of Shazand rally in front of the office of the regime MP to protest pollution cause by the burning of Mazut fuel in their region.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/zOg9bUdukn
— People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 25, 2025
Meanwhile, employees of local Justice Shares cooperatives in Tehran rallied to protest job insecurity and delayed wages. These workers demanded clarity regarding their employment status and immediate payment of overdue salaries.
In Arak, central Iran, citizens gathered to protest severe air pollution caused by mazut burning at the Shazand power plant. This marked the sixth consecutive week of protests in the city, as demonstrators rallied in front of the office of a parliamentary representative to demand clean air and action against environmental negligence. Protesters chanted slogans such as “Incompetent officials, resign!” and “Clean air is our right!”
In Marivan, western Iran, tobacco farmers rallied against the Marivan Tobacco Company, which has failed to pay them for their crops purchased three months ago. The farmers demanded immediate resolution, as the delayed payments have severely impacted their livelihoods.
In Shadgan, farmers protested outside the governorate office over the mismanagement of water rights. The improper allocation of agricultural water, their sole source of income, has left their crops failing and their livelihoods at risk.
Meanwhile, truck drivers from Gilan-e-Gharb and West Karand, western Iran, joined the ongoing strike at the Parvizkhan Border in Qasr-e Shirin, protesting low freight rates and high fines imposed by authorities. Drivers pledged to continue their strike until their demands are met, with one protester stating, “The strike at the Parvizkhan Border remains strong despite rumors to the contrary.”
January 25—Tehran, Iran
Applicants of university entrance exams rally in front of the Education Ministry to protest results.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/xkazi3pMjy
— People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 25, 2025
Meanwhile, the tragic death of six-year-old Niyan Chalebiani in Bukan, western Iran, has sparked protests, as reports reveal she endured months of sexual abuse. Protests erupted on January 25, demanding accountability. The case underscores systemic failures in child protection, prompting calls for justice.
On Friday, January 24, victims of the Golbaran financial scandal in Dezful, southern Iran, took to the streets, chanting, “No more promises; our tables are empty!” and “The officials betray us, and the judges support them!” Protesters called for immediate justice and accountability. Meanwhile, truck drivers maintained their strikes in several regions, including the Parvizkhan Border, highlighting ongoing frustrations over low wages and oppressive fines.
On Thursday, January 23, emergency medical workers in Birjand, northeastern Iran, staged a protest against poor wages and working conditions, bringing attention to the struggles of essential workers.
In Tehran and Eslamshahr, citizens gathered at the graves of two martyrs, Mohammad Qobadlou and Majid Toos Parvar, to commemorate the anniversaries of their deaths during previous uprisings. These gatherings highlighted the regime’s history of brutal crackdowns and were a defiant call for justice.
PMOI Resistance Units in Zahedan continue anti-regime activities, reiterate commitment to resistance and rejection of all forms of dictatorship.#PMOI #ResistanceUnits pic.twitter.com/ZLmRLlsfwW
— People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 25, 2025
On Tuesday, January 21, protests broke out across multiple cities. In Tehran, retired employees of the Refah Store protested unpaid bonuses, while steel and mining retirees rallied for pension adjustments and improved living conditions. In Qasr-e Shirin, tanker drivers continued their strike at the Parvizkhan Border, demanding better wages and the elimination of punitive fines. Citizens in Arak protested air pollution, marching through the city and calling for action against environmental neglect.
The recent wave of protests illustrates the growing frustration across Iran. Citizens and workers from various sectors are uniting to demand justice, fairness, and accountability, as the regime continues to fail in addressing the mounting economic, environmental, and social crises. With over 2,396 protests reported in 2024, the trend shows no sign of slowing as Iranians collectively challenge systemic oppression and exploitation.
This article was originally published by a www.ncr-iran.org . Read the Original article here. .