Iran’s Judiciary pledges crackdown on protesters amid economic unrest

(MENAFN) Iran’s judiciary chief, Mohseni Ejei, on Monday declared that authorities will show “no leniency” toward individuals he called “rioters” amid ongoing demonstrations fueled by economic difficulties.

Speaking in Tehran, Ejei stressed that while officials remain willing to listen to citizens’ social and economic concerns, “rioters and instigators” would face firm legal consequences.

The latest wave of protests began last month at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and has since spread to other major cities. While many demonstrations remain peaceful, some have turned violent, resulting in more than a dozen deaths among protesters and security personnel.

The unrest is largely driven by the dramatic devaluation of the Iranian rial, which has dropped to 1,390,000 rials per US dollar, sparking record inflation and sharply rising costs for essential goods and housing. Although protest activity in Tehran has lessened in recent days following arrests, demonstrations persist in other parts of the country. In Tehran, the unrest is concentrated in the northeast and northwest, while western cities have experienced significant clashes, including attacks on public infrastructure and police stations.

Ejei accused the United States and Israel of “openly and explicitly” backing the protests. He directed judicial authorities to promptly investigate cases involving other crimes committed during demonstrations, such as possession of firearms or cold weapons, and to ensure specialized branches handle these cases efficiently.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Lorestan province warned that tolerance for protesters has ended. The IRGC accused demonstrators of “sabotage targeting public property and citizens’ vehicles, the open use of military weapons,” and attempts to carry out plots “aimed at taking lives,” as reported by semi-official media.

MENAFN06012026000045017640ID1110560493