At least 12 people killed as anti-government protests in Iran enter fifth day

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – At least 12 people were killed in Iran on Sunday as demonstrators tried to overtake police stations and military bases, state television said on Monday.

Tens of thousands of people have participated in the country-wide protests which represent the largest uprising against the Iranian regime since pro-reform unrest in 2009.

“Some armed protestors tried to take control of some police stations and military bases, but they met strong resistance from security forces,” state TV said without providing further details about the incident.

State TV also reported that 10 people were killed in several cities across Iran as protests entered the fourth day on Sunday, but activists say the number could be higher.

Demonstrations across the country continue despite Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s call for calm in a televised address to the nation Sunday night.

“The government will show no tolerance for those who damage public properties, violate public order, and create unrest in the society,” Rouhani said, adding Iranians had the right to voice their concerns but warned of a crackdown.

Videos shared on social media show Iranians chanting slogans opposing President Rouhani and the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The demonstrations, which began on Thursday, started as protests against soaring prices before quickly turning political as widespread corruption, as well as Iran’s costly interventions in Syria and Iraq, further incited public anger.

The protests eventually spread to the Kurdish region of Kermanshah and included rallies in Tehran, as well as Qom, the Shia theological center that played a crucial role in the 1979 Iranian revolution.