Iran Focus: London, Apr. 21 At least 62 people have been killed and over 1,000 arrested in the week-long clashes between people and security forces in Irans southern Khuzestan province, according to the main Iranian opposition group, the Peoples Mojahedin Organisation of Iran. Fierce fighting has brought the province to a complete stand-still
since Friday, when State Security Forces (SSF) opened fire
on a 3,000-strong anti-government demonstration in the city
of Ahwaz. Iran Focus
London, Apr. 21 At least 62 people have been killed and over 1,000 arrested in the week-long clashes between people and security forces in Irans southern Khuzestan province, according to the main Iranian opposition group, the Peoples Mojahedin Organisation of Iran.
Fierce fighting has brought the province to a complete stand-still since Friday, when State Security Forces (SSF) opened fire on a 3,000-strong anti-government demonstration in the city of Ahwaz.
The residents who were mainly ethnic Arabs were complaining of government plans to redefine the ethnic make-up of the province.
Ahwaz was placed under a de facto martial law after a number of SSF agents were killed by angry demonstrators.
Balal Mosque in Sepidar neighbourhood and similar places in Ahwaz are being used as temporary detention centres by MOIS agents and the Revolutionary Guards.
The PMOI said today, Young people took control of Ahwaz highway to Abadan. Residents of Molashieh attacked the SSF base in the district and killed the bases commander and his deputy.
The clerical regime cordoned off the citys airport and cut off water, electricity and telephone lines in Lashgar-Abad and Dayereh to intimidate the people.
Some 55 people have been killed and at least 400 wounded so far during clashes in Ahwaz. Most of those slain were between 18 and 22 years old. Hundreds of young people have been arrested and taken to Karoun Prison. Arrests are continuing in Mahshahr, Abadan, Shish and other cities in the province.
To date, 1,000 people have been arrested and many transferred to undisclosed locations. The security forces continued dispersing the demonstrators by opening fire and using tear gas canisters.
Despite brutal attacks by the suppressive forces, the chants of down to the clerical regime, death to Khamenei, death to Khatami echoed throughout Ahwaz.
The PMOI said that clashes also occurred in Old-Mahshar, where residents engaged in armed clashes with anti-riot forces, and authorities dispatched reinforcements from other provinces to the city. It said that residents destroyed a large number of government buildings and set fire to government vehicles. Seven people have been killed and hundreds wounded in the clashes so far, according to the opposition group.
Three of those slain were named Asgari, Ghargholi and Alboughobeish, it said.
The clashes spread to Masjid Soleiman, Dezful and Howeizeh. This morning, residents in Masjed Soleiman held a rally to voice support for demonstrators elsewhere in the province. They also changed anti-government slogans. All schools in the city were closed down and the security forces used tear gas and live fire to disperse the crowds.
Clashes have been reported in Dezful and Howeizeh as well, it added.
