Iran’s judiciary vows no leniency for rioters amid ongoing protests over economic woes, as UN calls for peaceful protest rights and US warns of consequences.
PARIS: Iran’s judiciary chief has warned there will be no leniency for “rioters” as protests over economic conditions persist for more than a week.
Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei instructed prosecutors to act with resolve against rioters and their supporters while distinguishing them from peaceful protesters.
The protests began on December 28 when Tehran shopkeepers struck over high prices and economic stagnation before spreading to other cities.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Iran to respect the right to peaceful protest and prevent further casualties.
Demonstrations have occurred in 23 of Iran’s 31 provinces, affecting at least 45 cities according to an AFP tally.
At least 12 people have been killed in localised clashes since December 30, including security force members.
Iranian police intelligence in Tehran reportedly identified a suspected rioter hideout, seizing weapons and bomb-making materials.
Officials have publicly acknowledged protesters’ economic grievances while promising a hard line against destabilisation.
Iran’s economy suffers under international sanctions, with the rial losing over a third of its value and high inflation.
The government announced a new monthly citizen allowance on Sunday, equivalent to about 3.5% of the average wage.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran would “get hit very hard by the United States” if more demonstrators are killed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed solidarity with the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom.
Iran’s foreign ministry accused Israel of trying to exploit the protests to sow division and undermine national unity.
State media reported a decrease in protest gatherings on Sunday night compared to previous evenings.
Most Tehran shops were open on Monday with riot police deployed at major intersections after the weekend.
Protests have also occurred among the Iranian diaspora, including a demonstration in Paris on Sunday.
Iran has experienced several nationwide protest waves in recent years, notably in 2022 over Mahsa Amini’s death.
The current protests have not yet reached the scale of the 2022 unrest.
