Violent clashes rock western Iran cities

SMCCDI (Information Service):

Violent clashes rocked, yesterday, several western Iranian cities, such as, Mahabad, Baneh, Saghez, Marivan Sanandaj and Piranshahr as crowd came into streets in order to call for a democratic change in Iran. Several demonstrators were injured and dozens arrested during some of the clashes happened in Piranshahr, Mahabad and Saghez. READ MORE

Slogans against the Islamic regime and its leadership were shouted by protesters despite the brutal attack of militiamen using rubber bullets and tear gas.

In retaliation, many protesters inflicted damages to security patrol cars and public buildings. Armed masked protesters took over several security buildings and were able to disarm some of the security forces.

Additional forces were sent, by the regime, from Marivan in order to smash the demonstrations.

Protesters were energized by the events in Iraq and its electoral process having lead to the election of the new Iraqi executive. Few Kurdish independentists tried also to transform these rallies in their favor but their calls were ignored by residents as most Iranian Kurds believe strongly in the territorial integrity of Iran. Most leaders of Iranian Kurdish parties have confirmed their attachment to Iran in various meetings or interviews.

Islamic regime intelligence circles are known for fueling independentist rumors in order to create fear of a split of Iran in case if the theocracy is overthrown.