Iran: Protesters, police clash over currency crisis

London: Clashes between riot police and demonstrators, protesting over sharp fall in the currency value, were reported in the Iranian capital city of Tehran Wednesday.

The rial has plummeted to record lows against the US dollar in recent days.

According to witnesses, scores of people gathered outside the central bank, calling for the governor to stand down, chanting anti-government slogans, BBC reported.

Tear gas was used to disperse the demonstrators, some of whom were setting fire to tyres and rubbish bins. There were many arrests, said reports, adding money dealers were joined by traders from the nearby central bazaar.

According to reports, many shops in the central Grand Bazaar opted to close down in a show of sympathy with the demonstrators.

Traders were angry at the lack of direction from the government during the crisis, which they say has led to more instability in prices and made trading almost impossible, BBC reported.

IANS