Police Break Up Teachers Demonstration In Iran

Teachers demonstrating in front of parliament on March 6 (ILNA) March 14, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Iranian police forces today disrupted a peaceful protest by teachers in front of the parliament building in Tehran.
Witnesses told Radio Farda that dozens of protesters were arrested and taken away in minibuses.

Several leaders of Iran's teachers union are reportedly among the arrested. Their whereabouts are unknown.

Radio Farda reported that Education Minister Mahmud Farshidi has dismissed the reports and said he is not aware of any arrests.

Iran said on March 13 that it has charged five people with disturbing public security at last week's demonstrations by teachers over low wages.

In recent months, Iranian teachers have staged several protests over salaries and working conditions.

(with material from advarnews.us)