Widening demonstrations sparked by Iran’s ailing economy saw the first deaths on Thursday with at least six people reported killed — including 5 protesters and one member of the security forces — as the demonstrations spread into the Islamic Republic’s rural provinces, authorities said.

The deaths may mark the start of a heavier-handed response by Iran’s theocracy over the demonstrations, which have slowed in the capital, Tehran, but expanded elsewhere.

The protests have become the biggest in Iran since 2022, when the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody triggered nationwide demonstrations. However, the demonstrations have yet to be countrywide and have not been as intense as those surrounding the death of Amini, who was detained over not wearing her hijab, or headscarf, to the liking of authorities.

On Thursday, Iran’s Fars news agency reported two people killed in clashes between security forces and protesters in the city of Lordegan, in the province of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and three in Azna, in neighboring Lorestan province.

“Some protesters began throwing stones at the city’s administrative buildings, including the provincial governor’s office, the mosque, the Martyrs’ Foundation, the town hall and banks,” Fars said of Lordegan, adding police responded with tear gas.

Fars reported that the buildings were “severely damaged” and that police arrested several people described as “ringleaders.”

????Lordegan, Jan 1 — Footage released this morning confirms that police and security forces opened direct fire on protesters in Lordegan.

????According to Avatoday, two of the victims have been identified as Jalili (21) and Khaledi (28). Reports indicate a highly tense atmosphere… pic.twitter.com/X85WQG4dka

— Abdorrahman Boroumand Center (@IranRights_org)

© The Times of Israel