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Iran’s Interior Minister warned citizens protesting over petrol price increases that security forces would become involved if they continue.
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Tehran and about two dozen other Iranian cities over the weekend in response to a government decision to raise petrol prices by 50 per cent.
Authorities said one person was killed when demonstrators abandoned their cars and blocked highways. Videos shared online showed police using tear gas to disperse gathering crowds.
About 1,000 people have been detained over two days, Fars reported, citing security officials.
“Security forces have so far shown restraint and have tolerated the protests," Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said.
"But as the calm and security of people is our priority, they will fulfil their duty to restore calm if attacks on public and individuals’ properties continue.”
The country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, also ordered security forces “to implement their tasks” and for Iran’s citizens to keep clear of violent demonstrators.
That seemed to indicate a possible crackdown could be looming.
Economic protests in late 2017 into 2018 were met by a heavy reaction by the police and the Basij, an all-volunteer force that is part of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.
“Such illegal actions would not solve any problem but add insecurity on top of other problems,” Mr Khamenei said.
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Tehran and about two dozen other Iranian cities over the weekend in response to a government decision to raise petrol prices by 50 per cent.
Authorities said one person was killed when demonstrators abandoned their cars and blocked highways. Videos shared online showed police using tear gas to disperse gathering crowds.
About 1,000 people have been detained over two days, Fars reported, citing security officials.
“Security forces have so far shown restraint and have tolerated the protests," Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said.
"But as the calm and security of people is our priority, they will fulfil their duty to restore calm if attacks on public and individuals’ properties continue.”
The country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, also ordered security forces “to implement their tasks” and for Iran’s citizens to keep clear of violent demonstrators.
That seemed to indicate a possible crackdown could be looming.
Economic protests in late 2017 into 2018 were met by a heavy reaction by the police and the Basij, an all-volunteer force that is part of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.
“Such illegal actions would not solve any problem but add insecurity on top of other problems,” Mr Khamenei said.
