Source: iJET International

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Security: UPDATE 2: Farmers continue water shortage protest in Esfahan Province, Iran, April 13. Expect tight security and traffic disruptions.

This alert affects Esfahan

This alert began 13 Apr 2018 16:46 GMT and is scheduled to expire 25 Apr 2018 23:59 GMT.

  • Event: Farmers protest
  • Location: Esfahan Province 
  • Date: Indefinite
  • Impact: Increased security; possible roadblocks, clashes

Summary
Farmers continue to protest water shortages in Esfahan city and other major towns throughout Esfahan Province, Iran, as of April 13, despite offers of financial incentives and other concessions from officials. Hundreds of women also took to the streets April 13 in solidarity with the farmers, who hold authorities responsible for ongoing provincial water shortages. Additional security forces have been deployed to Esfahan in response to the growing protest movement.

Expect increased security and traffic congestion, as protesters are likely to block roads. Clashes with security forces are possible, particularly if police attempt to disperse demonstrators by force.

Background and Analysis
Iran, which is heavily dependent on agriculture, has been facing a severe drought in recent years. The farmers allege that due to either corruption or mismanagement, authorities have been diverting water from Isfahan to Yazd and other neighboring provinces. Seven people were reportedly injured, and several others detained, during March 9 clashes with police in Varzaneh. The robust response by security forces reflects concerns that the protests could devolve into the kind of widespread anti-government demonstrations that Iran experienced in late December 2017 and January 2018.