Iran’s Cleric Calls for Harsh Punishment
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – A religious leader in Iran used his Friday sermon to call for the death penalty for those arrested during recent protests. He also criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump, reflecting the strong feelings within the Islamic Republic.
Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami’s words, broadcast on Iranian state radio, were met with shouts of agreement, including calls for “hypocrites” to be killed.
Khatami also gave the first official numbers on the damage caused by the protests, which started in late December because of Iran’s struggling economy but soon turned into challenges to the government.
Reports say that Iran shut down the internet earlier this month and increased its efforts to stop any opposition. Some groups claim that thousands have been killed, but it’s hard to know the exact number. Iran hasn’t released any overall figures.
Khatami, who was chosen by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, described the protesters as working for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and as “Trump’s soldiers.” He said they wanted to break up the country.
He warned that Netanyahu and Trump should expect a strong response. “Americans and Zionists should not expect peace,” Khatami said.
Khatami is known for his firm views. In the past, he has supported the death sentence for writer Salman Rushdie. He also threatened Israel, saying Iran could destroy Tel Aviv and Haifa with its missiles.
Khatami said that the protests caused damage to hundreds of mosques, prayer halls, and other religious sites. Homes of religious leaders were also damaged, showing the anger felt by protesters towards symbols of the government.
He also said that hospitals, ambulances, fire trucks, and other emergency vehicles were damaged, showing how widespread the protests were.
Khatami stated that the protesters want people to turn away from religion and that these actions were planned for a long time.
Khatami’s access to this information and his decision to share it during Friday prayers suggest that the Iranian government wants to communicate these facts without making an official statement. He also called for the arrest of anyone who supports the protesters.
