Protests rage in Iran Thursday with cities of Arak and Karaj scenes of clashes as regime’s forces opened fire at mourning ceremonies of two dead protesters. 

Citizens of Karaj and Arak held rallies on Thursday to honor the memory of Hadis Najafi and Mehrshad Shahidi, two young protesters killed by the security forces 40 days ago and seven days ago, respectively.

The 40th day of a loved one’s death – as well as the seventh day -- have a special significance in Iran, and in case of an unjust killing, such as the young protesters who were killed by the agents of the Islamic Republic, the occasion turns into public mourning and fuels angry protests.

Videos obtained by Iran International show a huge crowd of people flocking to Behesht-e Sakineh cemetery in Karaj, west of Tehran, to attend the mourning ceremonies to honor protesters Hadis Najafi and Parsa Rezadoust.

The security forces blocked the roads to the graveyard and fired teargas at the bereaved families as well as other people who wanted to reach the cemetery, arresting many. Outraged protesters then blocked the highway out of the graveyard with stones and concrete blocks, chanting "Death to Khamenei."

In Arak, a huge number of people held a protest rally, chanting "Death to This Leadership" during the ceremony to mark the seventh day after the death in custody of Mehrshad Shahidi, a 20-year-old chef who was beaten to death with batons.

Holding gatherings for funeral services and 40th day or seventh day ceremonies pose a challenge to the regime because the more it cracks down and kills people, the more protests follow, leading to a vicious cycle.