Iranian police have reportedly killed three demonstrators in the first three days of protests over water shortages in southwest Iran. Hundreds more have been injured and thousands arrested.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
Iran is facing its worst drought in 50 years, with protests breaking out in several cities and towns in the oil-rich Khuzestan province over the water crisis, which has affected households, devastated agriculture and livestock farming, and led to power blackouts.
Mostafa Naimawi was shot dead during the second night of protests, a local official said on Saturday, blaming armed demonstrators for the shooting, the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported.
"During the rally, rioters shot in the air to provoke the people, but unfortunately, one of the bullets hit a person present at the scene and killed him," Omid Sabripour, head of the governorate in the town of Shadegan, told IRNA.
Iranian media broadcast a video of the victim's father, who said his son was shot by rioters and not by government security forces.
"My son was not a trouble maker and had nothing to do with riots and disturbances," he said.
Videos posted on social media showed protesters setting fire to tires and roadblocks and security forces trying to disperse crowds as shots were heard.
During some of the protests, people vented their anger with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, chanting "Death to the dictator" and "Death to Khamenei."
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
