Reuters: After protests, Iran's Supreme leader calls for punishment of those who disrupt economic security
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Iran’s Supreme leader called on the judiciary to punish those “who disrupt economic security” on Wednesday, following protests earlier this week over the rial’s collapse and the prospect of more hardships to come thanks to U.S. measures against Tehran.
Business at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar was back to normal on Wednesday after a two-day strike had closed most shops. On Monday traders massed outside parliament to complain about the plunge to record lows of Iran’s currency.
Reuters was unable to verify footage showing riot police clashing with protesters. Public protests are rare in Iran but in recent months there have been several over the state of the economy.
“The atmosphere for the work, life and livelihood of the people must be secure,” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a meeting with judiciary officials, according to his official website.
“And the judiciary must confront those who disrupt economic security.”
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Update: Iran's chief justice threatens execution for 'economic saboteurs' (The National)
WNU Editor: The collapse of the Iranian rial coupled with a massive increase in inflation in just the past few months (see above graph) .... all of this has enraged the Iranian public, and it has clearly rocked the Iranian government. One can only imagine the impact that U.S. sanctions will have when they are fully enforced. Bottom line .... the unrest in Iran will only get worse.
