Reports from Isfahan indicate martial law has been imposed on the periphery of the Zayanderud river. Friday morning saw a widespread presence of security agents throughout the city, as well as intermittent disruption of the internet and phone lines.
A citizen journalist sent the below video to IranWire. It indicates a heavy security atmosphere in Isfahan on Friday, with a large number the same armored vehicles rolling into the city as have been seen in previous protests. The streets themselves appear to be largely deserted.
The tightening of restrictions came after locals issued a public call for people to join a fresh demonstration over the local water crisis. Farmers and supporters had planned to hold Friday prayers on the dried-up riverbed.
In the early hours of Friday morning Isfahan Traffic Police closed all roads on the approach to the Khaju Bridge, a major site of protest in recent weeks. In a statement, the police chief said restrictions would be in place from 5am and any vehicles still in the area by that time would be towed away.
Government forces have also been blocking people from holding prayers near the Khaju Bridge in the past few days and citizens reported being turned away from the entrances on Thursday by officers on motorbikes. On Thursday, the governor of Isfahan had also claimed “any” rallies in the province on Friday would be “illegal”. Local judicial institutions also warned residents to be wary of “abusive dissidents” and to refrain from participating in “illegal” gatherings.
Members of the agricultural community have held successive waves of protest over water shortages in the province for the last 10 years. The latest round of weekly rallies began on Friday, November 8.
The November protests were initially covered by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting. But after other citizens joined the farmers in numbers, a clampdown and media blackout ensued as the government evidently feared losing control of the situation.
Last Friday a thousands-strong protest on the Zayanderud riverbed elicited a brutal response from security forces, with farmers and locals sprayed with tear gas and birdshot. Hospitals in the area reportedly refused to admit some of the injured.
HRANA news agency reports that some 214 people, including 13 children, were arrested during the most recent protests. Iran Human Rights states that about 40 people suffered eye injuries after being struck in the face with metal pellets.
Related coverage:
Isfahan Nurse: Hospitals Turned Injured Farmers Away After Protests
Isfahan's Water Crisis: How Did We Get Here?
Videos: Tear Gas and Shots Fired on Isfahan Protesters
Images of Iran: Mass Protests in Isfahan
Study Warns of Rift Between Clerics and the Iranian People
Mass Protest in Isfahan as River Drought and Farming Crisis Continue
Iran’s Water Crisis: Will Isfahan be Uninhabitable in 10 Years?
'Water Jihad Council' Launched as 25,000 Villages Go Without Drinking Water
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