In Iran today (Saturday) the widespread demonstrations against the government continue, with the death toll rising to 35 people. In a statement by President Ebrahim Raisi, he addressed the security forces and said that “Iran must deal decisively with the demonstrations.” According to Iranian news agencies, 739 protesters were arrested today in Gilan province, close to the Caspian Sea.
Meanwhile, the riots broke out in most of the country’s districts following the killing of the 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by the “morality police” after they claimed she wore a hijab carelessly. She was allegedly beaten to death during her arrest. The media in Iran quoted Raisi who claimed that “the security forces should deal decisively with those who oppose security and peace in Iran.”
According to the various reports, the Iranian president emphasized “the necessity to distinguish between a protest and a breach of public and security order. The events are not demonstrations, they are riots.”