Iranian Protesters Clash With Police Over Water Rights

Farmers in Iran's Isfahan Province protest against the transfer of water from the Zayandehrood River to Yazd Province.

ISFAHAN, Iran -- Protesters in the Iranian town of Varzaneh clashed with police this week after more than a month of demonstrations against the government's diversion of water from central Isfahan Province to other regions.

Photos and videos received by RFE/RL from citizen journalists show protesters setting buses ablaze during clashes on February 27-28.

Witnesses used social media to report that dozens were injured in the clashes with authorities and many were arrested.

The reports have not been independently confirmed.

The protesters say that a pipeline is diverting water from the Zayandehrood River and is leaving their area parched.

The protests reportedly first turned violent on February 27 after demonstrators damaged the pipeline.