Iranian leaders declare victory over ‘enemies’ after deadly protests
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani have declared victory over “enemies” in response to deadly protests across Iran that were ignited by a sudden increase in fuel prices last week.
“The Iranian nation achieved another victory in the recent historic test. They demonstrated that even if they have some economic problems and some complaints about the country’s management, they will never play into the enemy’s hands,” Mr Rouhani said on Wednesday.
Amnesty International has documented at least 106 deaths in 21 cities across the country. Unconfirmed activist reports have put the death toll at 200.
Prominent Iranian opposition figure, Abolfazl Ghadyani, issued a statement saying the Supreme Leader is responsible for the rise in fuel prices and its consequences.
Most Iranians remain cut off from the internet for the fourth day as human rights groups have condemned the government for the online blackout.
