Security forces clash with protesters in Iran’s main market

Already, violence surrounding the protests has killed at least 36 people, with authorities detaining more than 1,200 others, activists say

Shops are closed during protests in Tehran’s centuries-old main bazaar. Picture: Vahid Salemi/AP

Protesters angry over Iran’s ailing economy conducted a sit-in Tuesday at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, witnesses said, with security forces firing tear gas and dispersing demonstrators as the rest of the market shut down.

The protest at the Grand Bazaar, the beating heart of both Iran’s economic and political life for centuries, represented the latest signal that the demonstrations are likely to continue as the country’s rial currency fell to a record low.