Mehran Movahedfar
In the last two weeks, the world has witnessed terrorist acts that took place inside Iran with the support of the United States and the Zionist regime. It all started on December 28 with a lawful and peaceful gathering of marketers protesting the economic situation.
From December 28 to December 30, we witnessed protests, primarily at the market level, by guilds and economic activists, which were completely peaceful and carried out to express their legitimate demands, which was the natural right of the protesters. Following the government’s negotiations with them, the intensity of the demonstrations gradually diminished, and by the third day, the gatherings had substantially concluded.
From January 8 to 10, Western officials and the Zionist regime, through their messages, incited a number of people in various cities of Iran, those with foreign connections, to commit acts of violence.
Having experienced defeat in the imposed twelve-day war on the Islamic Republic of Iran as before, they, following their previous sinister strategy, effectively ignited this war on the streets of Iranian cities on the thirteenth day; and we witnessed armed terrorists among the protesters, firing in an organized manner at security forces, police, and civilians, with the aim of maximizing casualties during the unrest. What happened in the streets of Tehran and other cities in Iran over the past few days was no longer a protest, it was a terrorist war.
Unfortunately, a large number of those killed were ambushed from behind by the terrorist elements themselves. Terrorist like ISIS, killed the wounded, beheaded several Iranian police officers, and burned civilians alive, including hospital nurses and staff. They carried out widespread arson, targeting public spaces, government buildings, and police headquarters on a massive scale, as well as private shops and homes—destroying approximately 200 shops in several cities. In addition, they set fire to 53 fire trucks and 180 ambulances, and attacked key infrastructure, including 26 banks in Tehran alone and 53 mosques across Iran.
Distinguishing between peaceful protests and violent riots is not difficult. While the Islamic Republic of Iran considers itself fully committed to supporting and protecting the right of citizens to peaceful and lawful protest, it also considers itself obligated to prevent any actions that threaten public safety and security. More than 1,300 weapons have been recovered from the armed terrorists so far. In view of these actions, international human rights organizations must unequivocally condemn these acts of terrorism.
The recent unrest had no connection to the legitimate economic concerns of the populace. On Monday, January 12, millions of Iranians took to the streets to condemn the actions of terrorist groups backed by Israel.
While emphasizing the importance of adopting necessary measures to mitigate economic challenges, it must be noted that the majority of these challenges stem from the West’s full-scale economic and financial warfare against the Iranian nation, manifested through illegal and oppressive sanctions. These sanctions directly undermine the human rights, livelihoods, and daily lives of Iranians and constitute a clear example of crimes against humanity.
Westerners cannot sanction an entire nation and simultaneously raise the banner of human rights while claiming to protect the same people they have placed under economic siege. For example, hundreds of people in Iran, including children suffering from Epidermolysis Bullosa, a severe skin disease, have died as a result of shortages of certain European-made medicines due to sanctions.
Westerners must be held accountable for imposition of crippling sanctions and so-called maximum pressure policies that have inflicted immense suffering on the Iranian people.
As a strong and resilient nation, the Islamic Republic of Iran has withstood these harsh and unlawful sanctions for more than four decades. With trust in Allah Almighty, fortified by enduring strength and the unwavering support of its people, it will continue to uphold its independence and defend its territorial integrity.
The writer is the Consul General of Islamic Republic of Iran in Lahore.