Iran Not to Compromise on Security: Police Chief

Iranian Police Commander Brigadier General Hossein Ashtari hailed the improved security situation in the country and said the Islamic Republic’s Armed Forces will not compromise on security.

In a speech in Tehran Saturday morning on the occasion of the Police Week, Brigadier General Ashtari described the week as an opportunity to have more contacts with the people and provide them with more services.

He further pointed to violent protests held earlier this year over price hikes and said his colleagues performed well in dealing with the incidents.

“Today, the people’s security is a red line of the Police and the Armed Forces,” the commander said, adding, “We would not compromise on or trifle with (the issue of security) …”

During late December and early January, peaceful protests over rising prices and economic problems broke out in some Iranian cities, but the unauthorized gatherings turned violent after a number of opportunists, some of them armed, vandalized public property and launched attacks on police stations and government buildings.

Iranian security officials say they have hard evidence that the protests were directed from abroad.

They say many rioters arrested in the unrest have been trained by the MKO or had links with Takfiri terrorist groups.

Following the unrest, people held several demonstrations across the country to condemn the violent riots and acts of vandalism, and voice support for the Islamic Republic’s Establishment.

Iranian officials maintain that people have the right to stage protests to express their opinions as long as rallies comply with the legal conditions.