History of Iran newspaper cockroach cartoon controversy in Timeline

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Iran newspaper cockroach cartoon controversy

The Iran newspaper cockroach cartoon controversy arose from a cartoon by Mana Neyestani published in the Iran-e-jomee magazine on May 12, 2006. The cartoon depicted a cockroach, and it was interpreted by many Iranian Azeris as portraying them in a derogatory manner, sparking widespread protests and riots in several cities across Iran. The incident led to accusations of racism and ethnic discrimination. Neyestani was arrested, along with his editor, and the magazine was shut down in the aftermath of the unrest.

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May 2006: Publication of controversial cartoon

In May 2006, the Iran newspaper published a cartoon drawn by Mana Neyestani in the Iran-e-jomee Friday magazine, sparking the Iran newspaper cockroach cartoon controversy.

May 2006: Massive protests and violent reactions

In May 2006, the controversy led to massive protests in Azerbaijani-populated cities such as Tabriz, Urmia, Ardabil, Zanjan, and Naghadeh. The initially peaceful protests turned violent after reactions from the Iranian police, resulting in arrests and casualties.