Blinken Says Concerned Over ‘Escalating Violence’ Against Protesters in Iran
Iranians woman protests a 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini’s death after she was detained by the morality police, in Tehran, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. in this photo taken by an individual not employed by the Associated Press and obtained by the AP outside Iran.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed concern over the harsh measures taken to combat anti-government protesters in Iran.”Greatly concerned that Iranian authorities are reportedly escalating violence against protesters, particularly in the city of Mahabad. We continue to pursue accountability for those involved, as we support the Iranian people,” Blinken said on Twitter on Sunday. Earlier in the day, the Tasnim news agency reported that a Tehran court sentenced yet another anti-government protester to death. On Friday, the Revolutionary Court of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Tehran passed two death sentences on people that took part in recent riots.On Wednesday, Tehran courts sentenced the first three anti-government protesters to death.Mass riots began in Iran in mid-September in connection with the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who passed away while in police custody after being detained for wearing an “improper” hijab. Tehran believes the unrest was planned by foreign powers and has accused the rioters of assaulting security forces and damaging property.
