We’ll meet protests with a fist of iron vows Iran
IRAN yesterday threatened to crack down on demonstrators posing one of the biggest challenges to its government since the 1979 revolution.
Tens of thousands across the country have been protesting against the Islamic Republic’s unelected clerical elite and foreign policy.
They have chanted slogans in support of political prisoners, attacked banks and government buildings and burned police vehicles. Two demonstrators were shot dead in Dorud on Saturday night.
There is anger over their country’s interventions in Syria and Iraq where it is engaged in a proxy war for influence against regional rival Saudi Arabia.
Social media showed protesters in Shiraz tearing down a banner of Qasem Suleimani, head of the Quds Force which oversees operations in Iraq and Syria.
The Revolutionary Guard threatened to use an “iron fist” and Iran yesterday said it was restricting access to social media used to organise the protests.
A source said: “It has been decided to restrict access to Telegram [messaging app] and Instagram.”
Demonstrators who initially protested against economic hardship and corruption are now calling on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to step down.
They chanted: “Mullahs, have some shame, leave the country alone.” But President Hassan Rouhani warned: “The government will show no tolerance for those who damage public properties, violate public order and create unrest.
“People are absolutely free to criticise the government and protest but their protests should be in such a way as to improve the situation in the country and their life.”
President Donald Trump tweeted: “The people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism.”
There have also been pro-government protests. Up to 200 have been arrested.