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Iran Protests: Minister Calls on People to Pursue Demands Peacefully
December 31, 2017 - 08:19
Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli
Iran’s Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli cautioned that use of violence in the rallies in protest at the economic woes would do great harm to security and progress of the country, calling on people to pursue demands in peace and within the framework of
Commenting on the recent demonstrations in some Iranian cities over high costs of living and economic issues, Rahmani Fazli hailed people on Sunday for expressing their opinions under lawful methods.
The cases of vandalism and violation of citizenship rights have nothing to do with the peaceful demonstrations, the minister added, praising the police and security forces for exercising self-restraint during the violent rallies.
Rahmani Fazli then said resorting to violence and vandalism would undermine security in the country and disrupt the process of production and job creation, reminding the vandals and arsonists that they have to pay the price for their conducts.
Calm, obedience to law, unity, coordination and cooperation are the best approaches for pursuing the public demands and ensuring security, the minister added.
His comments came against a backdrop of demonstrations in some cities of Iran over the past days to complain about price hikes and economic woes.
According to Article 27 of the Iranian Constitution, “public gatherings and marches are allowed so long as the participants do not carry arms and are not in violation of the fundamental principles of Islam.”
Following the peaceful civil rallies, the Western and a number of Arab media outlets tried to portray the protests as a political uprising against the Establishment.
Iranian officials maintain that people have the right to stage protests to express their opinions, as long as the rallies comply with the legal conditions.
Police have arrested a number of demonstrators that were trying to damage public property in the gatherings.