As protesters and security forces clashed, tear gas fired during demonstrations in Tehran accidentally drifted towards a hospital, Iranian media reported late Tuesday.
Security forces in Iran have frequently deployed tear gas to clear protesters during the sometimes-deadly demonstrations triggered by the rising cost of living.
To disperse a crowd, “tear gas was used in the alley adjacent to the Sina Hospital” in the center of Tehran, the ISNA news agency reported, citing a statement from the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The Sina Hospital is affiliated with the university.
“The natural reaction of the protesters is to move (the gas) away from the gathering place. As a result, some of this substance unintentionally drifted towards the hospital,” it said.
Security forces have killed at least 27 protesters, including five minors, according to the Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights. Iranian authorities say members of security forces have also been killed, including a policeman shot dead on Tuesday. (AFP)
