At least 116 persons have been killed in anti-government protests in Iran over the past two weeks, with the authorities in the West Asian country warning of an intensified crackdown, AP reported.
The protests, which began on December 28, were initially focused on discontent about rising inflation. However, they later expanded in scope as protestors in over 100 cities demanded an end to clerical rule.
The authorities in Iran have accused the United States and Israel of inciting unrest. The government cut off internet access and telephone lines on Thursday, largely cutting off the country from the outside world.
Two weeks into the protests, the number of confirmed deaths in Iran rose to 116 on Saturday, non-governmental organisation Human Rights Activists in Iran said. It noted that the internet shutdowns and severe communication disruptions “have significantly limited the ability to disseminate information and independently verify events”.
The country’s Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad on Saturday warned that anyone participating in the protests would be considered an “enemy of God,” a charge that carries the death penalty, according to AP. Iranian state television further quoted him as saying that even individuals who help rioters would face the charge.
“Prosecutors must carefully and without delay, by issuing indictments, prepare the grounds for the trial and decisive…
Source: Iran protests: 116 killed in two weeks, authorities warn of intensified crackdown
