IRAN -Thousands of teachers take to streets across Iran

Nationwide teachers protest in Iran demanding freedom of dozens of teachers arrested last month

Thursday, April 16, Iranian teachers staged protests in more than 70cities in 27 provinces across the country.

The protestations against repression and discrimination were held outside the departments of education in most cities.

In Tehran, teachers gathered at two points, outside the Ministry of Education as well as outside the parliament or as it is called in Farsi, the Majlis. State security forces surrounded the teachers tightly and prevented people from joining them.

Teachers are among the most oppressed sectors of the Iranian society. Despite high prices, their salaries are meager and most of them have to work at two jobs to earn a minimum living.

Iranian Resistance's President-elect Maryam Rajavi hailed Iranian teachers and said, "The only way to end poverty, unemployment and inflation is the toppling of the clerical regime ruling Iran."

In Thursday's nationwide demonstrations, Iranian teachers chanted:

Teachers, rise up to abolish discrimination

Free imprisoned teachers.

Criticism is forbidden but embezzlement and fraud are free

Improved earning for living is our inalienable right

Poverty line 3 million, our salary 1 million.