Iranian policeman killed in clashes: state media

It is second confirmed death since protests erupted after decision to impose petrol price hikes

TEHRAN: An Iranian policeman died on Sunday after being shot in a clash with "rioters and thugs" during protests against petrol price hikes, state news agency IRNA reported.

Protesters of all ages in #Iran chant:
“Shah of Iran, return to Iran!”
Protests began as gasoline prices tripled overnight in the oil-rich country without prior notice by the regime, and rapidly escalated into anti-regime demonstrations. #IranProtests https://t.co/FP1VUsQyek

— Reza Behrouz (@RBehrouzDO) November 16, 2019

Major Iraj Javaheri died of his wounds a day after a confrontation with armed attackers in the western city of Kermanshah on Saturday, provincial police chief Ali Akbar Javidan said, cited by IRNA.

The officer was "martyred in a confrontation with a number of rioters and thugs", Javidan said.

He suffered a gunshot wound while trying to defend his police station from the assailants who attempted to seize it, Javidan said.

It was the second confirmed death since protests erupted across Iran on Friday after the announcement of a decision to impose petrol price hikes and rationing.

"The people of Kermanshah, alongside people of other cities, peacefully protested the recent developments... and their concerns will certainly be heard," said Javidan.

"The majority of citizens do not approve of the chaos caused by some known individuals and clearly ask for confronting them," the police chief added.

One civilian was killed during demonstrations in the central city of Sirjan, the semi-official ISNA news agency reported on Saturday, citing acting governor Mohammad Mahmoudabadi.