Tehran prosecutor warns riot participants of severe charges

Tehran’s public and revolutionary prosecutor Ali Salehi has warned that those involved in recent mass disturbances—including acts of vandalism and the use of firearms against law enforcement officers—will face prosecution under the charge of “rebellion against the state.”

Speaking on Iranian state television and radio, Salehi underlined that the security of the nation’s citizens constitutes a “red line” for the judiciary, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

He stated that the authorities would adopt a deterrent approach toward what he described as terrorist acts, adding that offenders would be tried and charged with moharebeh — waging war against the state — an offence that carries the death sentence under Iranian law.

Under Iranian criminal law, the offense of rebellion against the state is defined as the use of weapons with the intent to instill fear among the population.

“Our response will be deterrent, and their ruling is moharebeh,” Salehi said.

Mass protests continue across Iran, escalating into clashes with security forces. The unrest began on December 28 when Tehran market traders demonstrated against a sharp fall in the national currency, but has since spread nationwide, with demonstrations reported in all 31 provinces.

On January 9, videos circulating online showed a building of the state broadcaster IRIB in Isfahan set on fire. In Tehran, protesters chanted slogans calling for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the return of exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi.

Pahlavi expressed gratitude to President Trump for reaffirming support for holding Iran’s regime accountable, urging the international community to help restore communications after the government cut internet, landline, and possibly satellite signals.

By Vafa Guliyeva