Iranian security forces used tear gas on Tuesday to disperse anti-government protesters at the historic Grand Bazaar in central Tehran, according to footage captured by a China Global Television Network (CGTN) correspondent on the ground.
The video footage shows thick clouds of tear gas billowing through the centuries-old marketplace as demonstrators scrambled to flee the area.
On the same day, Iran's intelligence department issued a statement saying that, with effective public cooperation and intelligence support, Iranian security agencies have continued operations in Tehran and arrested a group of key individuals suspected of organizing and commanding activities during the recent unrest.
The statement said that the arrested individuals had previously carried out "acts of sabotage and terrorism" against public facilities, religious sites, and security forces in multiple areas of the capital.
The development came as protests have erupted in many Iranian cities since Dec. 28. They initially began with Tehran bazaar merchants demonstrating against the sharp devaluation of the national currency, the rial, and soaring inflation, before spreading to other cities. The unrest has led to casualties among both security forces and civilians.
On Monday, Iranian authorities said that they had obtained evidence of U.S. and Israeli involvement in domestic "terrorist activities," including footage showing weapons being distributed to protesters, and that they would soon release confessions of detainees.
Iranian security forces disperse anti-government demonstrators
Iranian security forces disperse anti-government demonstrators
