On January 7, opposition forces announced the capture of the cities of Abdanan and Malekshahi. The next day, January 8, social media reported that police opened fire on protesters in Karaj, a suburb of Tehran. The shooting began after demonstrators blocked one of the streets.
Despite reports that protesters allegedly took control of Karaj, this information has not been officially confirmed.
It is worth noting that anti-government protests in Iran began in late December in response to rising inflation and a sharp decline in the value of the national currency—the rial. According to the opposition, protests have spread to about 100 cities across the country. Security forces are using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the rallies, and there are also reports of internet connectivity disruptions.
