Iran arrests 15 for encouraging Azeri protests
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 22 May 2007 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iran arrests 15 for encouraging Azeri protests, 22 May 2007, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/469f5bd82.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
A demonstration in Tabriz in May, 2006, against the "cockroach" cartoon (Courtesy Photo)
May 22, 2007 – Iran has reportedly arrested more than 15 people after they allegedly called for a demonstration in the northwestern city of Tabriz to mark the anniversary of the publication of a cartoon offensive to Iran's Azeri minority.
The ISNA news agency says the individuals were arrested in Iran's East Azerbaijan Province.
The government-run newspaper "Iran" in May, 2006, published a cartoon depicting an ethnic Azeri as a cockroach, sparking days of clashes between police and protesters which left four dead.
Azeris form a majority in East Azerbaijan Province.
(AFP)
Copyright notice: Copyright (c) 2007-2009. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036
