Iran’s judiciary chief has vowed to punish those deemed “inciters” of recent anti-government protests with the utmost severity. Speaking on Sunday, Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei stated that the public rightfully demands the swift trial and punishment of individuals responsible for instigating unrest, terrorism, and violence, should their guilt be established.
According to the Mizan news agency, Ejei emphasized the need for rigorous investigations. He asserted that justice demands the uncompromising prosecution and punishment of criminals who have taken up arms, killed people, set fires, engaged in vandalism, or committed atrocities.
Meanwhile, Iranian experts estimate that the ongoing internet disruptions, which began on January 8th, are costing the country’s economy approximately $20.6 million per day. Ali Hakim Javadi, head of Iran’s Computer Engineering Organization and IT Trade Union, told the Entekhab news website that digital companies and IT service providers are the hardest hit.
Javadi explained that these companies, heavily reliant on consistent access to the global internet for revenue, have experienced a sharp decline in transactions, with some even ceasing operations entirely. He stressed that the reported economic damages only reflect direct losses.
Authorities recently announced that 3,117 people have been killed in violence, with 2,427 being security forces or bystanders, and not protestors. However, human rights organizations allege that the majority of the deceased were protestors, with estimates suggesting thousands have been killed. Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based organization, estimates the total death toll could exceed 25,000.
