Raisi threatens protesters, ‘enemies’ and absolves Khamenei of Iran crises
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday issued threats against protesters who continue to protest against the country’s ruling regime for the fourth consecutive month, calling them “traitors and enemies”, while supreme leader Ali Khamenei was acquitted of the country’s worsening situation.
“The people’s arm is open to all who were deceived in recent events, but we will not show mercy to traitors and enemies,” Raisi said in a speech aired on Iranian television in Tehran as the funerals of 200 victims of the Iran-Iraq War were held.
He again described the protests, which began in response to the death of Amini in Tehran’s morality police custody in mid-September, as “a nuisance.”
“The recent riots that the country has witnessed in recent months are a war of parties,” Raisi said. “All the oppressive currents came to the square with all their strength, and those who were promoting rumors wanted to rob the people of hope and derail society.”
The Iranian president accused the United States of “hypocrisy” and said, “They are sending messages through various channels that they are ready for talks and have no intention of supporting chaos or toppling the regime, but we know their intentions.”
The leadership (of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei) has worked very well in its leadership, whether during the time of the late founder of the regime, Ruhollah Khomeini, or now the leader of the revolution, in the guidance of the people, in the formulation of the country’s public policies, or in issuing warnings against dangers that threatened the country.”
Protesters in Iran have raised various slogans during the ongoing protests, including calling for the departure of the clerical regime run by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Raisi also pointed to Iran’s dire economic conditions as the local currency continues to collapse and inflation rates rise, saying, “I am sure that with the participation of the people, inflation and currency will vary and conditions will decrease,” adding, “I have no doubt that wherever people are, many wishes can be achieved,” claiming that all the pressure on Iran has failed.
The Iranian News Agency for Human Rights Activists (IRNA) estimated today that 507 protesters were killed in protest against the death of Mahsa Amini.
Human rights monitoring institutions have estimated the number of detainees at more than 18,000, and the Iranian government’s strict restrictions on the free flow of independent information and reporting have made it difficult to determine the exact number and identities of those killed.
