Iran’s judiciary has dismissed claims made by US President Donald Trump that Tehran halted the execution of 800 protesters due to the threat of military force. According to state radio, Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad described the claim as “completely false”. The statement comes after President Trump said last week that he had called off a military strike on Iranian leaders because they had cancelled plans to execute 800 people.
The protests in question began in late December, sparked by an economic crisis. However, they quickly escalated into widespread demonstrations against the country’s authoritarian government. The Iranian security forces responded with force, resulting in the deaths of thousands of protesters. The judiciary had announced that those accused of serious offenses would be prioritized, with some facing charges of “waging war against God”, a crime punishable by death under Iranian law.
During the protests, President Trump expressed support for the demonstrators and warned the Iranian leadership of potential consequences, although none have been implemented so far. The Iranian government has maintained a firm stance against the protests, with the judiciary emphasizing its commitment to upholding the law.
The dispute over the execution of protesters highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran. The two countries have been at odds over various issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and its human rights record. The international community has been watching the situation closely, with many calling for restraint and respect for human rights.
The Iranian judiciary’s denial of President Trump’s claim has added to the complexity of the situation, with each side presenting a different narrative. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the US and Iran will navigate their differences and address the concerns of the international community. The protests in Iran have brought attention to the country’s human rights record, and the international community will be watching to see how the government responds to these concerns in the coming days and weeks.
