TEHRAN – Iran’s Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei has ordered decisive legal action against those involved in violence and vandalism as protests over the country’s deepening economic crisis continue to intensify across the country.
Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said that while the authorities are prepared to hear and address the legitimate demands of peaceful protesters, no leniency will be shown towards rioters and those supporting acts of sabotage. “The Islamic Republic clearly differentiates between lawful protest and disorder,” he added.
According to the judiciary’s Mizan News Agency, the chief justice has instructed the attorney general and provincial prosecutors to ensure strict enforcement of the law. He alleged that hostile forces were attempting to fuel chaos and instability in Iran, but stressed that such efforts would be dealt with firmly.
The protests against soaring inflation and the historic fall of the Iranian rial entered their ninth consecutive day and have spread to at least 78 cities nationwide.
A human rights organisation reported that clashes between protesters and security forces have so far left more than 20 people dead, over 50 injured, and nearly 1,000 arrested. Students have also taken to the streets in several cities, while security forces have used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators.
In a bid to calm public anger, the government announced a monthly allowance of around $7 per citizen for the next four months, to be provided in the form of credit for purchasing essential commodities.
Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said the government would accept the public’s legitimate demands but warned that any foreign-backed conspiracies aimed at destabilising the country would be crushed.
