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Earlier this week, Iran’s Police Chief, Brigadier General Ahmadreza Radan, warned that his forces would treat anyone who takes to the streets “at the enemy’s request” as an “enemy”.
“All our forces have their fingers on the trigger and are ready to defend the revolution and support their people and their country,” Radan added.
Separately, a presenter on Iran’s state television Channel Three addressed opponents of the Islamic Republic and those who might protest against the government.
“When the dust of this sedition settles, we will come after you,” the presenter said.
“Confiscating your property will be the least of it. We will make you and your families pay, whether you are inside the country or abroad.”
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On 8 March, Iran’s Prosecutor General Office issued a statement warning Iranians living abroad that if they cooperate with what it described as “hostile enemies”, they could face severe punishment.
Citing Iran’s law on the “intensification of punishment for espionage and cooperation with Israel and hostile countries”, the statement stressed that any “operational activity, intelligence cooperation or espionage” for such countries could result not only in the confiscation of property but also the death penalty.
These threats are a stark reminder of the threats faced by Iranians if they do protest against the government.
During weeks of anti-government protests in December and January, at least 7,000 protesters were killed in an unprecedented crackdown by security forces, human rights groups say.
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