Iran: New violent clashes with at least 15 dead – Among them a nine-year-old boy

At least 15 people have been shot dead in Iran, including a nine-year-old boy, as well as members of the security forces in separate incidents overnight that have seen widespread protests, some of the worst in nine weeks.

In Izeh, Khuzestan province, “armed terrorist elements” riding two motorcycles opened fire on a market where protesters and security forces had gathered, killing five people and injuring 10, the Irna news agency reported, citing an official. However, protesters said members of the militia force ran, killing among others a nine-year-old boy who was sitting in a car with his father.

Another five people were killed in the Isfahan area, including security forces, in another shooting incident.

“Two wounded succumbed to their injuries early today, bringing the toll to seven dead and eight injured,” said an official at Jodi-Sapur Hospital in Ahvaz, the provincial capital.

The total number of deaths during the latest protests has risen to 348, according to Harana, a human rights agency, although the figures are impossible to verify.

Government news agencies point out that the killings may be a sign that the protests were turning into an armed uprising.

Videos posted on social media showed shops closed in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar as protesters chanted anti-government slogans. However, the state claims that shopkeepers are against the strikes and that organized gangs are pressuring business owners to lower their shutters.

A state television report said that protests and calls for a strike began yesterday, Wednesday, at around 17:00 local time. Protesters blocked downtown streets, set fire to car tires and attacked banks and shops before setting fire to a religious school.

At least five protesters have been formally sentenced to death, according to the Iranian judiciary.

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