Iran Justice Minister labels protests a full civil war

WISE NEWS PRESS / TEHRAN, IRAN

Iran’s Justice Minister Amin Hossein Rahimi characterized three weeks of nationwide demonstrations as a “full-blown civil war,” declaring that every individual arrested during the current unrest is considered a criminal.

The statement signals a significant escalation in the government's rhetoric as Tehran moves toward rapid prosecutions and potential executions of thousands of detainees. Minister Rahimi stated that while initial economic protests by shopkeepers on December 28 saw no arrests, the situation has evolved into a subversive movement backed by foreign powers. He emphasized that “everyone arrested in this process is definitely a criminal because they were there,” and noted that tolerance would not be extended to those involved in acts of destruction.

Rapid trials and potential executions

Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i, the Head of the Judiciary, indicated that suspects would be tried swiftly, with the death penalty remaining a possible sentence for many. In a video shared on Iranian state television, Mohseni-Eje'i argued that for legal actions to be effective, they must be carried out immediately.

"If something is to be done, it must be done now. If it is delayed for two or three months, it will not have the same deterrent effect," Mohseni-Eje'i stated. This approach has raised concerns among international observers regarding the lack of due process and the potential for a wave of summary executions in the coming weeks.

Escalating death toll and mass arrests

According to the Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR), Iranian security forces have killed at least 3,428 protesters, while more than 10,000 individuals have been arrested. IHR reported that casualty figures surged following the acquisition of new data from the Iranian ministries of health and education, with the majority of deaths occurring between January 8 and January 12.

In a counter-demonstration today, tens of thousands gathered in Tehran for a mass funeral for 100 security personnel reportedly killed by protesters. Participants carried Iranian flags and portraits of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, chanting slogans in support of the established regime and condemning foreign interference.

Digital crackdowns and international reactions

As the Iranian government has largely restricted internet access since January 8, activists have increasingly turned to Starlink to communicate with the outside world. However, residents in Tehran report that authorities are currently conducting raids on apartment buildings equipped with satellite dishes to seize Starlink hardware.

Mohammad Pakpur, a senior commander of the Revolutionary Guard, blamed the United States and Israel for orchestrating the unrest. Pakpur labeled U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "murderers of Iranian youth," warning that Iran is prepared to deliver a "decisive" response to both nations.

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