Rouhani: People will deal with...
“We have no problem bigger than unemployment. Our economy needs an operation. We must all stand together,” Rouhani said.
Since Thursday, groups of Iranians have staged protests in several cities to voice their anger over rising prices and economic conditions. Violence has erupted during the protests, leaving 15 people dead.
National TV reported Monday 11 people were killed in the protests on Sunday and armed protesters have tried to take over police stations and military bases.
Six people were killed in the western town of Tuyserkan after shots were fired while three others lost their lives in the central city of Shahin Shahr. Two others, included a teenage boy, were run down and killed by a fire engine stolen by protesters in the western town of Doroud, the national broadcaster said.
A local lawmaker said two people were shot dead in the southwestern town of Izeh, bringing the total death toll in four days of protests to 15.
“Some armed protesters tried to take over some police stations and military bases but faced serious resistance from security forces,” national TV reported. It did not say where those attacks occurred.
People ‘free to criticize’
Addressing a cabinet session on Sunday, Rouhani said the Iranian people are completely free to express their criticism of the government or stage protests according to the Constitution and citizenship rights, and in a way that would lead to the improvement of the country’s conditions.
“We are a free nation and based on the Constitution and citizenship rights, people are completely free to express their criticism and even their protest,” he said.
However, he added that the manner of expressing criticism and protest must lead to the improvement of the country’s conditions and people’s lives.
He emphasized that the settlement of some problems in the country was “not easy and takes time,” calling for cooperation between the Iranian government and nation to solve those problems.
The Iranian people have the right to voice their criticism with regard to all affairs, Rouhani said, adding, “We believe that the government and the country belong to the people and the people must properly express what they want.”
Rouhani emphasized that criticism completely differed from violence or inflicting damage on public property, saying, “We must not allow an atmosphere to be created in the country under which supporters of the revolution and people will be concerned about their lives and security.”
Press TV and AFP contributed to this story.