Arrests made in Tehran Bazaar strike

Iran Focus: Tehran, Jul. 08 – At least two people were arrested in Tehran’s grand bazaar on Thursday, the third day of a major strike that has alarmed the authorities.

Iran Focus

Tehran, Jul. 08 – At least two people were arrested in Tehran’s grand bazaar on Thursday, the third day of a major strike that has alarmed the authorities.

The pair were detained in the textile and fabrics quarter of the bazaar after they voiced support for merchants on strike.
 
A large group of people gathered in the shoemakers quarter of the bazaar, and there were chants of “death to Khamenei” (Iran’s Supreme Leader) and “death to Ahmadinejad” (President). All entrances to the shoemakers’ bazaar have been shut down by State Security Forces and intelligence agents.
 
Around 800 people gathered in 15th of Khordad Street which leads directly to the Bazaar’s main entrance and chanted “death to the dictator” and “death to Khamenei”.
 
Hundreds have also gathered in Sabz-e Meidan (Vegetable wholesale market), according to eye-witnesses who reported at least four arrests. Protesters chanted “death to Khamenei” and “death to the dictator”.

At least one man was killed in scuffles between police and anti-government protestors at the Bazaar on Wednesday.

The bazaaris are protesting against a planned major tax hike. The strike has not been called off despite the government withdrawing its decision to raise taxes in the Bazaar.