Protests in Turkish Communities of Azerbaijan in Iran Over a Television Program

BBC Persian - November 9, 2015

In the city of Urmia, the capital of West Azerbaijan Province in Iran, a female protester holds a handwritten banner reading: "STOP RACISM AGAINST TURKS."

Reports indicate that following the airing of a segment from the children's television program "Fitihele" and the subsequent protests by Turks in Iran, today, Monday, November 9, groups of protesters have gathered in various cities of [Azerbaijan], including Tabriz, Urmia, Zanjan, and Ardabil.

In a segment of this program, which is produced for children, characters in a skit about tooth brushing speak in a manner considered insulting to Turks. The airing of "Fitihele" has been halted, and the head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting has apologized for the broadcast, stating that those responsible for airing it will be reprimanded and punished.

Reports from Tabriz indicate that the old market, Amir Bazaar, Mozaffariyeh Timcheh, and the surrounding traditional market areas have been closed since noon today, and protesters have gathered in various parts of the city, including Abresan Street.

According to received reports, security forces have used tear gas to disperse a group of protesters.

Reports of clashes between security personnel and protesters have surfaced, with claims that a police car was set on fire by protesters in the "Qonqa Bashi" Square in Tabriz.

Some reports suggest that several protesters have been arrested.

In Urmia, protesters also gathered in front of the university in the city. Participants in this gathering held placards protesting "racism" and discrimination against Turks.

Zanjan is another city where protesters gathered in front of one of the cinemas to voice their objections.

The presence of security forces in these protests has been noticeable.

The issue of disrespect toward the diverse ethnicities, cultures, languages, and religions of the people of Iran, as well as racist insults in various state radio and television programs, has repeatedly sparked sensitivity and widespread protests, especially on social media, in recent years.

Photos of the Protests and the Extensive Presence of Security Forces:

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Link to the original, news in BBC Persian: 
https://www.bbc.com/persian/iran/2015/11/151109_nm_turk_demonstration_fitileh