Iran MP says 1 killed in protest against government price hikes on basic goods

TEHRAN, Iran — One person was killed during a protest in southwestern Iran against a government decision to raise the costs of basic goods, an MP tells Iranian media today

The authorities had announced Monday a series of measures to tackle mounting economic challenges, such as changing a subsidy system and raising the prices of staple goods including cooking oil and dairy products.

Hundreds took to the streets in a number of Iranian cities to protest the government’s decision, including in Tehran province, state news agency IRNA reports.

Iran has been reeling under the effect of sanctions reimposed by the US in 2018 — exacerbated by rising prices worldwide since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February.

“A resident of Andimeshk was killed during the recent rallies in Dezful in Khuzestan province,” local MP Ahmed Avai tells the Iran Labour News Agency (ILNA).

The victim isn’t identified, nor are the circumstances of the death disclosed.

IRNA had reported yesterday that more than 20 people were arrested during the demonstrations in Dezful and Yasuj further east, but made no mention of any casualties.

In the town of Izeh, also in Khuzestan, a number of people reportedly attacked shops and set fire to a mosque.