Protests Continued Last Night
Reports and videos published on social media indicate that on the evening of January 4, nationwide protests in Iran continued for the eighth consecutive day. In numerous cities, there were street rallies and protests by civilians and clashes with security forces.
Videos posted online and obtained by RFE/RL's Radio Farda showed that protests continued in the Iranian cities of Tehran, Yasuj, Ilam, and Fardis, while fires burned in the streets of Mashhad and Mahallat on January 3.
According to reports from inside Iran, clashes between protesters and counter-riot forces have been particularly intense in the western city of Ilam, to the point where security forces stormed the city's Imam Khomeini Hospital and dispersed protesters.
Video appearing to be from Ilam show security forces firing tear gas at protesters.
Eyewitnesses in Ilam say that the number of security forces in some parts of the city has reached more than 150 people -- and there have been shots fired at protests, although it is unclear what weapons or ammunition was used.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has reported the arrest of at least 17 citizens, including a teenager, in the broader Ilam Province region.