The protests that broke out over two weeks ago over the murder of a young lady in detention prompted the police command in Iran to issue a warning on Wednesday that the force would crack down severely.
Since nightly protests started when Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, died after being detained in Tehran for allegedly violating the Islamic Republic’s stringent laws about hijab headscarves and modest attire, dozens of people have been slain.
The police leadership issued a statement in which it stated that “today, the enemies of the Islamic Republic of Iran and certain rioters aim to disturb the order, security and comfort of the people under any excuse.”
According to the statement, which was reported by the Fars news agency, “Police officers will resist with all their might the schemes of counter-revolutionaries and unfriendly groups, and deal decisively with those who disrupt public order and security wherever in the country.”
Since Amini’s passing on September 16, “around 60” individuals have died, according to Fars News Agency, an increase from the official death toll of 41 officials recorded on Saturday.
Authorities said on Monday that they had detained more than 1,200 people, including journalists, attorneys, and activists.
