Thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets this week to protest against the riding cost of living and overall malaise engulfing the country's economy,
Protests over spiraling inflation and the plummeting value of the local currency, the rial, began with shopkeepers in Tehran closing their doors on December 28. The uprising has continued each day, spreading to several universities in the capital, as well as to other areas around the country.
Iranian security forces have responded at times with volleys of tear gas and batons, though President Masud Pezeshkian has promised that the government would make "new decisions" that he said would improve the economic situation of Iranians.
Shirin Ebadi, who was awarded the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to bring democracy and safeguard human rights in Iran, spoke with RFE/RL's Radio Farda by phone on January 1 on what is driving her compatriots to confront the authorities and what makes these protests different from previous ones.
Radio Farda: How significant are the protests in Iran in your view and what message are the protests are sending?
