Excerpts from the interview:
Q Are you saying the protestors were guided into attacking Government buildings and those opposed to the demonstrations by agents of a particular country? Can you please clarify, by mentioning particular incidents?
Many of the gatherings/protests which took place in the wake of the unfortunate death of Ms Amini in different parts of the country were peaceful.
But in some areas, violence broke out causing anxiety and destruction. In my opinion, these acts are reminiscent of the events instigated by the American CIA which took place prior to the coup which toppled the Government of thenpremier Mossadegh
I am convinced, based on facts on the ground, these acts of violence were instigated by the US.
The US and some Western countries have again started to interfere in the internal affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran by supporting these rioters.
Other external actors -foreignsponsored terrorist groups also direct their agents to incite individuals to participate in violent disturbances. Websites and foreign TV networks broadcasting in ‘Farsi’ also contributed- to inciting youth and people to indulge in acts of violence.
During the protests which degenerated into rioting and violence, some individuals affiliated with terrorist groups, and sections of the media backed by foreign countries resorted to violent acts damaging public and private properties and even against civilians who disagreed with them, as well as against the police force by instigating people to violence. In some instances, they trained them in the use of use firearms and other incendiary materials.
Q What makes you say a foreign hand was involved in the protests? Could you also explain the nature of the acts of arson, loss of life and injuries? Finally, what type of weapons did some of the protestors use?
By and large, from media reports circulating, the protestors did not have weapons. What is your response to these charges?
During these terrifying riots, many public and private properties were set on fire or looted. Some law enforcement agents and ordinary people lost their lives or were injured by weapons used by the rioters.
Q You mentioned websites and foreign TV networks broadcasting in Farsi used to incite young people. Could you specifically name some of these sites and particular foreign TV networks?
BBC Persian, VOA, Iran International and Manoto, are some of the main foreign TV Networks
Q What makes you say that there was foreign intervention in the outbreak of protests?
As peaceful civil protests were underway, hostile states’ actors guided civil protests towards insurrectionist violence aiming at destabilizing our country.
The shootings carried out by separatist terror organizations who infiltrated the peaceful protest movement are known to have links with hostile foreign powers which complicated matters.
There is a distinction between civil protest and organized terrorism or any other forms of violence that target innocent civilians and public property.
Most gatherings which took place in the wake of the death of Ms Amini in different parts of the country were peaceful.
Soon America and some Western powers began interfering in what was essentially an internal problem in Iran, supporting groups bent on rioting and taking violent action.
Other external actors, such as armed militant groups, instigated demonstrators into violent actions providing them with weapons, and incendiary materials, attacking public buildings, creating roadblocks, preventing the movement of vehicular traffic and attacking the forces of law and order.
Websites and foreign TV networks broadcasting in Farsi also played a significant role in inciting demonstrators to violence.
Q Could you specify some of the violent acts against public/state property?
During the rioting, public and private properties were set on fire or looted. A few law enforcement agents and bystanders lost their lives or were injured by armed rioters. Public services such as banks, ATMS, and ambulances (including those transferring patients) were attacked. Public transport, police cars, fire engines and religious places were also subject to organised attacks. A number of them were reduced to ashes.
In Iran, we recognise the right of people to protest peacefully. Unfortunately, the involvement of foreign powers changed the direction of peaceful protests, leading to death and destruction.
We well remember how, on August 19, 1953, street protests organized and financed by the CIA overthrew Mossadeq and installed the Shah as head of Iran.
The Shah who fled the country when the initial coup failed, immediately returned to the country, took power and to show his gratitude signed over 40 per cent of Iran’s oil fields to U.S. companies.
The infiltration of the present street protests and the ongoing violence is a continuation of America’s efforts to destabilise Iran, install another puppet regime and take control of Iran’s oil resources.