Judiciary says speedy punishment awaits Iran rioters

Iran’s judiciary chief promised Sunday to “quickly and firmly” follow up the recent unrest in the country and deal with rioters who violated the sanctity of the Ashura mourning ceremony.

“Iran’s judiciary will not fall short in performing its duties and will investigate the events quickly and firmly,” Ayatollah Sadeq Larijani said in a meeting with judiciary officials.

He described last week’s riots as an “improper” move and said, “Rioters claim they are protesting the result of the presidential election whereas they are in fact opposing the Islamic establishment.”

He asserted that the judiciary body will issue “fair” verdicts and said, “Fair ruling should be based on legal and religious frameworks.”

Ayatollah Larijani said that rioters who desecrated the Ashura mourning ceremonies would be punished soon.

Anti-government protestors staged rallies in Tehran on December 27, taking advantage of the Ashura ceremonies. Police used tear gas to disperse the protesters who vandalized public property and set trashcans aflame, provoking clashes with security forces.

Seven people died during the unrest. The deputy police chief, Ahmad-Reza Radan, said the force had not used violence against protesters, rejecting any involvement in the killings, adding that authorities were investigating the deaths.

In response to the Ashura riots, millions of Iranians took to the streets on Wednesday, demanding that rioters will be brought to justice.