Its supreme leader Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in his first commentary on the unrest that has gripped the country since September 17, called the protests over the death of a young Iranian woman in police custody deliberate and said they were not conducted by “ordinary Iranians”.

In his comments, broadcast by state media, Khamenei said that the death of 22-year-old Mahshi Amini “broke my heart,” calling it “a sad incident.”

However, he said that “some people created instability in the streets” and that there were pre-planned “riots”.

Khamenei also expressed his strong support for the security forces, which he said had suffered during the protests.

“The security forces offended”

“Recent incidents have mainly affected the security forces, including the police and the Basij, as well as the people of Iran,” he commented.

He also accused the US and Israel – the Islamic Republic’s staunchest enemies – of orchestrating the incidents.

“The duty of the security forces, including the police, is to guarantee the safety of the Iranian people… Those who attack the police leave Iranian citizens defenseless against thugs, thieves and extortionists,” he said.

Human rights groups estimate that security forces, including police and the Basij militia, are cracking down on the protests, which have resulted in thousands of protesters being arrested, hundreds injured and more than 130 killed.

Iranian authorities claim that several members of the security forces were killed during the incidents.

Source: APE/MEB