Nationwide Coverage Of Protests In Iran On September 23

Protests in many Iranian cities and town erupted once again on Friday despite warnings by Islamic Republic's military and religious figures in the past two days.

The government officially announced an internet shutdown Friday morning until midnight because of the protests.

Many parts of the Capital Tehran witness protests for the fifth straight day. Reports say that there are also protests in Esfahan (Isfahan), central Iran, Tabriz, northwest and Ardebil in the north.

Protesters in parts of Tehran closed roads to hamper the movement of security forces, chanting “Clerics get lost.”

In Esfahan, reports indicate fierce confrontations and clashes between the people and security forces from various branches of the government’s suppression machine, including riot police and plainclothesmen of the Basij paramilitary forces under the command of the Revolutionary Guard.

This is an indication that protesters continue their actions despite earlier warnings by the Revolutionary Guard, Iran’s Judiciary and Friday Prayer Imams. The latter warned in their sermons on Friday that protesters are rioters, organized by the United States and public figures, such as celebrities who support them should be careful about the consequences.

So far, monitoring groups have confirmed nearly 40 deaths in the unrest.

This live coverage ended past midnight Iran time early on Saturday. We will continue our live reporting on Saturday, as protests are expected again in the afternoon, local time.

Iran International cannot verify the exact location or the authenticity of some videos.

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Iran International TV host Fardad Farahzad tweeted this video showing a child looking outside through a window and getting shot at by security forces, in Bukan, western Iran.

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Tehran protesters chanting and holding their ground. Video shared by a correspondent of Iran International stationed in Iraq.

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Protesters in Rudsar, Gilan province in northern Iran are chanting "Death to the institution of Supreme Leader."

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A scene from protests in Tehran where gunshots are heard and Special Units are seen patrolling on motorcycles.

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Protest in Ardebail, northern Iran. People chant "Reza Shah, God bless your soul", referring to the first Pahlavi king who launched Iran's modernization in 1920s and 30s.

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Protest in the religious city of Qom, the center of the Shiite clergy in Iran. A voice says "Revolt, strong revolt. We will not let them even breath in this country any longer."

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A large crowd of protesters are in central Tehran, throwing home-made stun grenades at security forces. A large fire is seen in the video but no information what it can be. Protesters have set fire to police cars and other vehicles in the past few days.

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Protest in another part of Tehran.

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Tehran's central streets witnessed a huge deployment of motorcycle riding anti-riot troops in the evening to spread fear and terror among the people. Each motorcycle carries two riders, carrying guns and heavy chains to beat protesters.

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A video recorded early evening on Friday in Tehransar, a working class township west of Tehran shows a large crowd of protesters in complete control of streets.

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A large crowd of protesters came out in the afternoon in the western city of Khorram Abad and chanted "Death to the dictator", meaning Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

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Protests were recorded in early evening Friday in Qarchak and Varamin, two large townships south of Tehran. After clashes with security forces, protesters forced them back into their local barracks. The issue is that these special units cannot be everywhere at all times, such as the capital's suburbs and nearby towns.

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Protests were taking place in Gohar Dasht, about 20 miles west of Tehran this afternoon, with people shouting "Clerics get lost."