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Iran
Focus
 Orumieh, Iran, May 25 – Anti-government protests and
clashes erupted in dozens of towns and cities in north-west Iran on Thursday following a 100,000-strong
rally in the city of Tabriz by enraged Azeris on Monday against the publication of an
insulting cartoon in an official daily, eye-witnesses
reported.
In the town of Marand,
thousands took part in a violent demonstration chanting anti-government
slogans, a dissident who requested anonymity told Iran Focus by telephone.
In nearby Orumieh, government forces opened fire
on a rally by several thousand protesters near the local headquarters of
the state broadcasting company on Wednesday, killing at least people,
witnesses reported. Previously, the offices of the daily Iran, which
published the cartoon, were set on fire in the city.
Protests also flared on Thursday in the cities of Zanjan
and Ardebil
which had been the scenes of mass rallies since Monday.
During Monday’s demonstration in Tabriz, angry Azeris poured in the streets, attacking state-owned
buildings and banks. Police used teargas to disperse the protesters.
Dozens of state-buildings were also set on fire in several other towns.
Ethnic Azeris make up approximately 25 percent of Iran’s population.
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