Iran Signals Harsh Punishments for Protesters Amid Ongoing Digital Blackout
TEHRAN — Iranian authorities are promising strict measures against those arrested during nationwide protests, while also confiscating assets from individuals supporting demonstrators to cover damages caused during the unrest.
Judiciary Promises Action
Judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei said on Monday that their work “has just started” and emphasized that granting leniency to those who do not deserve it would violate justice. His remarks came amid a near-total internet blackout that continues across most of the country, following a brief partial reconnection on Sunday.
Leaders Meet to Coordinate Response
Ejei met with President Masoud Pezeshkian and parliament chief Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, where they promised decisive punishments. A joint statement described those responsible for “murder and terrorist sedition” as facing severe action, while individuals “tricked” by foreign powers into protesting might benefit from “Islamic compassion.”
Blaming Foreign Powers
Iranian authorities have repeatedly accused the United States and Israel of supporting and funding the protests. On Saturday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged that “several thousands” died during the unrest, though he blamed foreign-affiliated agents rather than state forces for the deaths.
Asset Confiscations Underway
Authorities are confiscating the assets of those backing protesters to cover costs of property damage caused during demonstrations. Officials describe this as part of a broader effort to restore order and enforce accountability.
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