Prosecutor says demonstrators in Iran face death penalty
Iranian authorities have indicated that they are prepared to crack down on the largest anti-government protests in recent years. The Revolutionary Guards blamed "terrorist groups" for the unrest and declared that protecting the Islamic system is a red line that cannot be crossed.
Iran's Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad said on Saturday that anyone who participates in protests in the country will be considered an "enemy of God" and will face the death penalty.
The protests, which began in late December over sharp price increases, quickly escalated into political demands for an end to clerical rule.
According to the HRANA organization, at least 50 protesters and 15 members of the security forces have been killed, and thousands of people have been detained.
Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Iranian shah, has also entered the fray, calling for the occupation of city centers and talking about the fall of the regime. US President Donald Trump has warned Tehran against violence against protesters and hinted at possible US intervention.
(reuters, mja)