TEHRAN: Iran’s Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei has ordered decisive legal action against what authorities describe as rioters, as violent protests fueled by a deepening economic crisis continue to spread across the country.
The Chief Justice focused on that Iran’s judiciary would differentiate between peaceful protesters and those involved in violence or vandalism. He said legitimate and lawful demands raised through peaceful demonstrations would be heard, but warned that no leniency would be shown toward individuals accused of creating disorder or supporting destructive activities.
In this regard, Ejei issued clear instructions to the Attorney General and provincial prosecutors to ensure the strict enforcement of the law. He stated that hostile forces were attempting to exploit public dissatisfaction to create chaos, adding that the Islamic Republic recognizes a clear distinction between public protest and acts of sabotage.
The protests, created by soaring inflation and the sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial, have entered their ninth consecutive day.
Furthermore, human rights organizations report that clashes between protesters and security forces have resulted in more than 20 deaths and at least 50 injuries. Nearly 1,000 people have reportedly been arrested during the unrest.
The government has announced a temporary financial relief measure. The assistance will be provided in the form of credit intended for the purchase of essential goods, rather than as direct cash payments.
Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the government acknowledges the public’s legitimate grievances and is committed to addressing them. However, he stressed that authorities would not tolerate what he described as foreign-backed plots aimed at destabilizing the country. “The people’s lawful demands will be respected,” he said, “but external conspiracies and violent actions will be firmly suppressed.”
The unrest mentions the growing pressure on Iran’s leadership as economic challenges intensify amid international sanctions and internal financial strains.
As demonstrations persist, the government faces the dual challenge of restoring order while responding to widespread economic concerns that have brought thousands of Iranians onto the streets.
