Iranians rap violent protests despite dismay over fuel price hike
Protests erupted in several cities over the past three days in Iran after an abrupt decision by authorities to hike petrol prices as part of efforts to control high fuel consumption and blunt the effects of US sanctions on the country's economy.
The move saw the rollout of a rationing scheme and slashing of subsidies, sending fuel prices soaring by at least 50 percent.
Speaking to Press TV, people said citizens have the right to protest under the Iranian constitution. However, they also believe no one has any right whatsoever to damage public property.
This came after several people were also killed in sporadic violence surrounding the protests so far.
Experts support the plan, which was backed by Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, but with some reservations. They say although the plan was agreed by the Supreme Council of Economic Coordination, which is made up of the president, the Judiciary chief, and the speaker of parliament, the timing was not right.
Dozens of banks and stores were set on fire or damaged in violence surrounding the demonstrations and about one-thousand arrests were made. At least ten people, including one police officer, were killed. Despite the move, petrol remains cheaper in Iran than almost anywhere else in the world.
