Iranian judiciary vows "no mercy" for protesters as death toll rises

WISE NEWS PRESS / TEHRAN, IRAN

Iran’s Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei has ordered a "decisive" crackdown on nationwide demonstrations, warning that "rioters" will face no mercy as protests continue to spread across the country.

Addressing the ongoing unrest, Ejei instructed prosecutors across all provinces to act without tolerance against those challenging the state's authority. The demonstrations, which initially began in Tehran over the record devaluation of the Iranian Rial and severe economic conditions, have now reached 25 out of Iran's 31 provinces, affecting at least 45 cities.

Distinction between protesters and "rioters"

The Iranian judiciary has attempted to differentiate between peaceful dissent and what it terms as "riots." Ejei stated that while the regime listens to legitimate criticisms, the authorities will not tolerate those aiming to destabilize the national order. Similarly, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei characterized the people’s economic grievances as "justified" but emphasized that borders must be set for those engaging in illegal acts. Despite reports from state media suggesting a decrease in protest intensity, independent monitors like HRANA report that slogans targeting religious authority continue to echo in cities like Shiraz and Tehran.

Rising casualties and mass arrests

Human rights organizations report a significantly higher death toll than official state figures. While official accounts confirm at least 12 fatalities, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported on Monday that the number of deaths has reached at least 19. Furthermore, reports from the Hengaw Human Rights Group indicated that Revolutionary Guards opened fire on protesters in the western province of Ilam, leading to multiple casualties. According to HRANA, the number of detainees has already surpassed 990 individuals since the unrest began on December 28.

Economic roots of the unrest

The current wave of protests was triggered by the historic collapse of the Iranian Rial, which prompted shopkeepers and students to take to the streets in protest of the soaring cost of living. What started as an economic movement has rapidly transformed into a broader challenge against the country's religious and political leadership. Despite the heavy security presence, demonstrators continue to voice their anger over decades of economic mismanagement and restricted social freedoms.

The Iranian Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei stated that no leniency would be shown to rioters, Tehran. 

www.wisenewspress.com