The Iranian government is struggling to contain protests that began late last month with merchants in Tehran that have now exploded into mass demonstrations and extended strikes in cities and towns across the country. In the modest city of Abdanan, a large crowd went on the march Tuesday night, shouting for the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In the major city of Mashhad on Wednesday night, people tore down an enormous flag bearing the Islamic Republic’s emblem and ripped it into shreds. And in a new and potentially portentous turn, many businesses have shut down their storefronts, bringing much of the country’s already ailing economy to a standstill.

Full report : Iranian security forces have repeatedly responded with violence, including killing protesters, raiding hospitals and arresting thousands, according to rights groups.