- Iran Chief Justice orders crackdown on violence.
- Protests spread across 78 major cities.
- Government announces $7 allowance credit for citizens.
Amid mounting national pressure from continuous economic protests, Iran’s Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei has instructed the judiciary to adopt a policy of zero tolerance against destructive elements. According to the judiciary’s Mizan News Agency, the Chief Justice issued clear directives to the Attorney General and all provincial prosecutors to ensure the strict enforcement of the law against those involved in vandalism and disruption.
Mohseni Ejei drew a sharp distinction between legitimate public concerns and deliberate subversion. He reportedly affirmed that the demands of peaceful protesters facing high inflation and the devaluation of the national currency (the Rial) will be heard and addressed. However, he stressed that no leniency would be extended to agitators and their supporters who seek to exploit the situation and spread chaos.
The protests, which were initially triggered by the country’s deepening economic crisis, have now reportedly extended into their ninth consecutive day, spreading to approximately 78 cities across Iran. Reports from human rights organizations indicate a growing human toll, with clashes allegedly resulting in the deaths of over 20 demonstrators, injuries to more than 50, and the arrest of nearly 1,000 individuals.
Security forces have reportedly deployed tear gas and live fire in attempts to disperse the crowds, which now include students taking to the streets. Simultaneously, the Iranian government has introduced a measure aimed at mitigating public anger, announcing a monthly allowance of approximately $7 (in credit form) for essential goods, to be distributed to every citizen for the next four months.
Supporting the government’s firm stance, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that while the genuine grievances of the populace would be respected, any external conspiracies attempting to destabilize the Islamic Republic would be decisively crushed.