Iran Detains Five After Protest Against Environmental Damage

Security forces detained five residents of a village in Hashtrud in East Azerbaijan province following a protest against environmental damage caused by local sand-washing workshops, reported human rights organization HRANA.

The detainees – Rahmat Saeedi, Jafar Sharifi, Davoud Sharifi, Hadi Sharifi, and Aghil Talebi – had expressed concerns about the ecological harm caused by sand extraction and processing facilities. 

The protest reportedly turned violent after intervention by police and security forces, resulting in the five arrests.

Details regarding the specific charges against the detainees remain unclear. 

Sand-washing workshops, while providing economic benefits, can have significant environmental consequences. 

Excessive sand extraction disrupts river beds and ecosystems, potentially leading to water shortages, land degradation, and even changes in river courses.