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Understand why there is protest in Iran as causalities toll rises

The continuous protest in Iran, entering its seventh day, has claimed at least 20 lives of both security personnel and demonstrators, leaving many to wonder the initial reason for the protest.

The protests were reported to have started as a local rally against the economic hardship in the Country but deteriorated into a public outcry against the current administration.

Hopes were high after the Country signed a nuclear deal with America and five other world super-powers in exchange for sanctions being lifted in 2015, but benefits of the deal, which was expected to lead to economic improvements have not been enjoyed by the citizens.

The day after the first protest, 2 persons were reportedly shot dead overnight, with security agents denying responsibility, blamed it on foreign agents and terror group.

By Monday, clashes have resulted in the death of 10 more persons, and another nine by Tuesday morning.

The President of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, had said the people had the right to demonstrate, but he condemned violence and destruction of public property.

“Is the first and most important step at this stage. The space needs to open up for legal protest and criticism.”

Iranian officials were reported to have blocked Instagram and messaging app Telegram, which was used to distribute information and images of the protests.

Donald Trump waded into the affairs of the Country, stating that its “time for a change” Iranians was “hungry” for freedom.

But Trump’s outburst has been answered by the President of Iran, urging him to mind his business.

“Government and people solve problems together. One who calls the Iranian nation a terrorist does not have the right of compassion for our people.”

However, it is unclear if Trump’s support will give the protesters a boost of encouragement, or would be used by Iranian hardliners as evidence that foreign powers are in fact behind the disruption.

This has been reported as the second biggest protest faced by the Country, with the first in 2009 which became the “Green Movement”.

The Movement saw Millions marching in the capital to protest the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, an election the opposition alleged was rigged

At least 36 people were killed in 2009, according to an official toll, while the opposition says 72 died.

Legitimate Concerns?

The United State has a 7 times higher cost of living compared to Iran. Crime rate is lesser in Iran across all crimes. Although Iranian population living bellow poverty level is about 18%, the US is very close to 15%.

The Iranian Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has suggested that the protest are an attempt by the enemies of Iran to bring it down.

“The enemy is waiting for an opportunity, for a flaw, through which they can enter. Look at these events over the last few days. All those who are against the Islamic Republic — those who have money, those who have the politics, those who have the weapons, those who have the intelligence — they have all joined forces in order to create problems for the Islamic Republic and the Islamic Revolution,”

Despite not mentioning names, the US seem to be answering Khamenei as US Ambassador to the UN, Ambassador Nikki Haley, says any suggestion of extermal interference is “complete nonsense”

The US is calling for an emergency UN Security Council meeting to discuss the protest “in the days ahead”.

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