Iran: "Anti-government protests are a US conspiracy to incite social unrest"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] The Iranian government has claimed that the recent anti-government protests are the result of a conspiracy by the United States. In major Iranian cities, protests condemning the death of Mahsa Amini, who was detained for not properly wearing a hijab and died under suspicious circumstances, have continued for ten days.

Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement on the 26th (local time), saying, "The United States has always tried to undermine Iran's stability and security," and added, "This time as well, the US and Europe are supporting rioters with false provocations."

As the protests continue, casualties are mounting due to the government's harsh crackdown. The state-run IRIB broadcast reported that 41 people had died from clashes between protesters and police as of the previous day. The Iran Human Rights organization (IHR), headquartered in Europe, stated that at least 57 people had died due to the protests as of the previous day.

In response, spokesperson Kanaani criticized, "Western politicians and media are attempting to exploit this tragic incident to infringe upon Iran's sovereignty," and added, "Western media condemn these riots but do not cover gatherings supporting the Iranian government."

The Iranian judiciary is currently investigating the Amini case and has warned that protest participants who violate the law will be severely punished.