This is his first public reaction since the start of the protests in Iran. The supreme leader of the Islamic Republic Ali Khamenei accused the United States, Israel and their “agents” on Monday of having fomented the anti-government protest movement unleashed by the death of Mahsa Amini in Tehran on September 16.
“I say clearly that these riots and insecurity are the work of the United States, the usurping Zionist regime (Israel, editor’s note) and their paid agents, with the help of certain Iranian traitors abroad,” he said.
“The death of the young woman broke our hearts, but what is not normal is that some people, without evidence or investigation, make the streets dangerous, burn the Koran, remove the hijab from veiled women, set fire to mosques and cars , ” he said.
“The police are obliged to stand up to criminals”
Speaking at a graduation ceremony for military academy officers in Tehran, he said: “The police are obliged to deal with criminals and ensure the safety of society. … Therefore, weakening the police means strengthen criminals, and whoever it is”. Police attacks leave the people defenseless against criminals, thugs, thieves.”
He called on judicial authorities to judge “rioters in proportion to the level of their involvement in the destruction and security breaches.”
Regarding the position that certain sports and art personalities have taken in favor of the demonstrators, he considered that “it is up to justice to decide if it is a criminal act”, but in his opinion their statements “have no importance”.
Many Iranian athletes, as well as actors and filmmakers, have lent their support to the protest movement, asking the authorities to listen to the demands of the people.
Two-time Oscar winner Asghar Farhadi urged people around the world to “stand in solidarity” with the protesters. In a friendly soccer match against Senegal in Vienna, the entire Iranian team remained dressed in black during the anthems instead of displaying the national jersey.
“Excuse for causing trouble”
Ayatollah Khamenei also harshly attacked the press around the world.
“There are a lot of riots all over the world and in Europe, especially in France, in Paris. But the media affiliated with American capitalism and its mercenaries, like some governments in the region, especially the Saudis, have supported the rioters in those countries?” he asked.
The guide called Americans’ expression of regret over the death of a young girl “a lie because, contrary to appearances, they are happy to find this excuse to cause trouble.”
Source: BFM TV
