10 killed in Iran

International Desk: At least ten people were killed during anti-government street protests in Iran yesterday, according to state television.

"In the events of last night, unfortunately a total of ten people were killed in several cities," it said, while showing footage of damage from the demonstrations.

Despite the rising death toll, there have been calls on social media called for more demonstrations today.

At least two people were killed in the southwestern town of Izeh and several others were injured.

Messages on social media urged Iranians to hold rallies in the capital Tehran and 50 other urban centres.

Many cities have already seen four days of unrest since economic protests in the second largest city Mashhad on Thursday turned political.

Protests continued overnight even though President Hassan Rouhani had appealed for calm yesterday.

Today, he said the Iranian people would "respond to rioters and lawbreakers" protesting around the country.

"Our nation will deal with this minority who chant slogans against the law and people's wishes, and insult the sanctities and values of the revolution," he said in a statement on his official website.

"Criticism and protest are an opportunity not a threat. The nation will themselves respond to the rioters and lawbreakers."

Tens of thousands of people have protested across the country against the Islamic Republic's government and clerical elite, prompting authorities to warn of a tough crackdown.

Security forces have showed restraint, hoping to avoid an escalation of the crisis triggered by economic hardships and corruption.

Anger soon turned to Iran's clerical establishment in power since the 1979 revolution, with some calling on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to step down.

Source: Agencies


risingbd/Dhaka/Jan 1, 2018/AI