Page 10 - IRANRptDec21

2.5 Violent clashes as Iranian police move in on thousands of water protestors in Isfahan
There were violent clashes as riot police in the Iranian city of Isfahan arrested 67 people on November 27 at the scene of ongoing protests over the drying up of a river and water shortages.
Police General Hassan Karami told reporters: "We have arrested 67 of the main actors and agitators behind the troubles," while adding that officers estimated there were about 2,000 to 3,000 "rioters" in the protests.
Last week, protestors camped on the dried up bed of the Zayandeh Rood river accused police of setting fire to their tents.
The demonstrations have taken place since November 9 in Isfahan, located around 340 kilometres to the south of Tehran.
Iran has this year suffered its worst drought in 50 years. Critics, however, claim that mismanagement of water resources is the main reason for the water shortages in and around Isfahan. Protestors say authorities have diverted water from the city to supply the neighbouring province of Yazd.
State media reported unspecified numbers of both demonstrators and riot police had been injured, as both sides clashed. Fars news agency said farmers and local authorities had struck a deal on November 25 about water distribution.
President Ebrahim Raisi met with representatives from the provinces of Isfahan, Yazd and Semnan, and made assurances to resolve the issue.
US State Department spokesman Ned Price said on Twitter that Washington was "deeply concerned about the violent crackdown against peaceful protestors."
Civilians reported a disruption of mobile internet services in areas where demonstrations were taking place. The disruption was confirmed by the watchdog Netblocks.
The Iran Meteorological Organization has said that an estimated 97% of the country now faces some level of drought.
10 IRAN Country Report December 2021 www.intellinews.com