Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - November 13, 2000Hashemi's Account of Protests During the November 13 Marches Against the Suppression of Freedoms in Isfahan and Tehran

Hashemi's Account of Protests During the November 13 Marches Against the Suppression of Freedoms in Isfahan and Tehran

Hashemi recounts the protests by a group during the November 13 marches against the suppression of freedoms in Isfahan and Tehran, efforts by some prisoners to escape from Shiraz prison and the subsequent clash with security forces that led to several deaths, and the surprising support from prisoners in Zahedan for those attempting to escape.

**Full Daily Entry**: I was at home, spending time reading and resting. My sisters, Fatemeh and Tayebeh, came to visit. Tayebeh is heading to Mashhad; she is doing well and is satisfied with her eye surgery and lens installation, saying she can see like in her youth. She brought some kashk (fermented whey) and a bath sponge that she prepared herself.

Today, there were protests against the U.S. in many cities. Yesterday, in Isfahan and Tehran, a few individuals attempted to gather to protest the suppression of freedoms but were dispersed; despite foreign radio stations promoting the protests for several days, they numbered no more than a few dozen.

In Shiraz, a group of imprisoned smugglers attempted to escape from prison, leading to a confrontation with the guards in which six of them were killed, and some other smugglers staged a rebellion in support of them. 

In Qaemshahr, workers from a textile factory that has been shut down created blockades and clashed with security forces. Such incidents are frequent due to the stagnation of industries. 

In eastern Iran, there have been numerous reports of protests and sit-ins by villagers due to insecurity and the misdeeds of outlaws. 

In Iraq, today an international exhibition opened with the participation of 2,500 companies from 45 countries, signaling a breach in the sanctions. Following an influx of flights from several countries, Iraq has announced that it is no longer willing to accept dollars for oil due to American atrocities and prefers to accept euros, even though the euro is declining in value while the dollar is rising.