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Demonstrations erupt in cities throughout western Iran
Apr 8, 2005
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Demonstrations erupt in cities throughout western Iran |
SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COMFriday, April 8, 2005
Street demonstrations calling for democratic reform are spreading in cities throughout western Iran.
The Iranian opposition has reported clashes between Kurdish pro-democracy forces and authorities in western Iran. The opposition said battles took place in Baneh, Mahabad, Marivan, Piranshahr and Sanandaj.
Several demonstrators were injured and dozens of others were arrested in the demonstrations on April 6, Middle East Newsline reported. Opposition sources said police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the protests.
"In retaliation, many protesters inflicted damages to security patrol cars and public buildings," the SMCCDI opposition group said in a statement.
There was no independent confirmation of the opposition report. Western diplomatic sources, however, have reported an increase in unrest near the Iranian-Iraqi border.
Western Iran has a large Kurdish population and the government has cracked down in an attempt to quell separatism inspired by the autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq. Opposition sources said Kurdish nationalists have also joined the pro-democracy rallies. "Armed masked protesters took over several security buildings and were able to disarm some of the security forces," the SMCCDI statement said.
Later, authorities were said to have sent reinforcements from Marivan to restore control of the buildings. The opposition sources said the pro-democracy demonstrations were inspired by elections in Iraq.
Copyright ? 2005 East West Services, Inc.
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