![Ned Price condemned the Iranian authority's recent uses of force [Getty]](/sites/default/files/2021-07/GettyImages-1232043983.jpg)
US condemns use of violence against Iranians protesting water shortages’
US condemns use of violence against Iranians protesting water shortages’
The United States on Wednesday condemned the reported use of violence by Iranian security forces against people protesting waters shortages.
1 min read
Ned Price condemned the Iranian authority's recent uses of force [Getty]
The United States on Wednesday condemned the reported use of by Iranian security forces against people protesting waters shortages, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said.
"We support the rights of Iranians to peacefully assemble and express themselves, without fear of violence and detention by security forces," Price said in a statement.
Last weekÌýÌýin southwestern Iran wereÌýshot dead, following a heavy crackdown by authorities in an Arab-speakingÌý.Ìý
Protesters took to the streets angered atÌý,Ìýwhich have led toÌýdroughts across Khuzestan Province.
DemonstrationsÌýswelled and now include moreÌýrobust criticism of the Iranian regime and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Ìý
Ahwazi activists and local reports have said five people have been shot dead by the Iranian security forces during the water protests.
Many of the rallies areÌýbeingÌýledÌýby the Arab minority in theÌý, who have long complained of beingÌýÌýagainst by the state.Ìý
Videos uploaded by activists, including from the town of Izh, showÌýprotesters chanting slogans such as "Reza Shah bless your soul", in reference to the founder of the Pahlavi dynasty, which was ousted from power in 1979.Ìý
Other videosÌýshowÌýsecurity forces firing tear gas at protesters.
Ìý
