Iran’s Revolutionary Guards urged the courts to bring charges against “those who propagate false news and falsehoods” regarding a young woman whose passing while in police custody has sparked widespread demonstrations.
Earlier on Thursday, as public indignation over the tragedy showed no signs of abating and there were reports of attacks on security personnel, protesters set fire to police stations and cars in Tehran and other Iranian towns.
After being detained in Tehran for “unsuitable dress,” 22-year-old Mahsa Amini passed away last week. When she was in jail, she had a coma. The police have declared that they will look into what caused her death.
The Guards sent their condolences to Amini’s family and friends in a statement.
The Guards, who have previously put a stop to rallies, stated that they had asked the court to “identify and deal with decisively those who propagate false news and rumours on social media as well as on the street and who risk the psychological stability of society.”
Pro-government demonstrations are scheduled on Friday, according to Iranian media.
The popular conservative Kayhan daily published an editorial that stated, “The will of the Iranian people is this: do not spare the offenders.”
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