Iran`s Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Eje`i

Iran`s Judiciary chief warns that the United States and Israel have openly "supported insecurity" in the Islamic Republic, adding that rioters taking advantage of the economic protests will be dealt with firmly and without leniency.

Addressing a meeting with judicial officials on Monday, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Eje`i said during periods of unrest, the Islamic establishment always offers a chance for those who have been deceived or inadvertently involved in harmful acts to distance themselves from rioters and distinguish their position.

He said the concerns of protesters and critics regarding livelihood and economic welfare will be heard.

"However, we will deal firmly in accordance with the law with those elements who seek to exploit this situation to incite unrest and disrupt the security of the country and the people. We will not remain silent in the face of rioters," the judiciary chief stated.

He cautioned rioters that the country will offer no leniency to them, unlike in the past, "because the main enemies of our people, namely the US and Zionist regime, have officially and openly supported unrest in our country at the current juncture."

Therefore, no rioter can any longer claim to have been deceived, Mohseni-Eje`i said.

The Iranian Judiciary chief said he has instructed the attorney general and prosecutors across the country to act in accordance with the law and with resolve against the rioters and those who support them, and to show no leniency or indulgence.

Protests erupted last week after shopkeepers in Tehran temporarily closed their businesses to protest the sharp fall of the national currency, which plunged to record lows against the US dollar.

Iranian officials have acknowledged the economic pressure facing the public and said peaceful protests are legitimate. At the same time, they have warned that foreign-backed elements are seeking to exploit the situation and fuel violence.
Leader hails bazaaris as most loyal to Islamic Republic, says foes behind currency devaluation

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on January 3 that the bazaari class remains "among the most loyal segments of the country to the Islamic Revolution," warning against hostile elements seeking to exploit legitimate economic grievances.

He added that what matters is that "a number of provoked individuals, mercenaries of the enemy, stand behind the bazaaris and chant anti-Islamic, anti-Iranian, and anti-Islamic Republic slogans."