No Mercy for ‘Enemy Aiders’: Iran Judiciary Issues Tough Warning as Protests Escalate

Tehran- Iran’s judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei on Wednesday issued a stern warning, declaring that there would be “no leniency” for anyone accused of assisting what he termed the “enemy against the Islamic Republic”, as protests intensify across the country.

Ejei alleged that the United States and Israel were orchestrating efforts to provoke unrest and destabilise Iran. Referring to recent statements by leaders of both countries, he said there was no justification for people taking to the streets.

“Following announcements by Israel and the US President, there is no excuse for those coming to the streets for riots and unrest,” Ejei was quoted as saying by state media.
“From now on, there will be no leniency for whoever helps the enemy against the Islamic Republic and the calm of the people,” he added.

The remarks came days after US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would intervene if Iran “violently kills peaceful protesters”, adding that the United States was “locked and loaded and ready to go”. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed support for the protesters, stating that Iranians could be “taking their fate into their own hands”.

Iran is witnessing its largest wave of protests in three years. The unrest began last month at Tehran’s historic Grand Bazaar, where traders shut their shops in protest against the steep fall of the Iranian rial. Since then, demonstrations have spread nationwide, driven by anger over economic hardship, Western sanctions, alleged government mismanagement, and restrictions on political and social freedoms.

Following Ejei’s comments, Iranian Army chief Major-General Amir Hatami also issued a warning, threatening pre-emptive military action in response to what he described as hostile rhetoric against Iran. He said Tehran would “cut off the hand of any aggressor” and asserted that Iran’s armed forces are “far stronger than before the war”.

“If the enemy makes a mistake, it will face a more decisive response,” Hatami said.

More than 30 people have reportedly been killed since the protests erupted, with thousands arrested. While Iranian authorities have not released an official death toll for protesters, they have confirmed that at least two security personnel have been killed and over a dozen injured.

Meanwhile, videos circulating on social media show protesters in several cities pulling down and tearing apart flags of the Islamic Republic, highlighting the growing intensity of the unrest.

With inputs from IANS