US State Department Senior Advisor: Close Iranian Officials’ Social Media Accounts

Len Khodorkovsky, senior advisor to the US State Department, has called on digital media companies to suspend the social media accounts of Iranian government officials until internet access is restored for the Iranian people, in light of widespread internet shutdowns in Iran.

Rouhani: Rioters Are Not Significant in Number

Hassan Rouhani, president of the Islamic Republic, said on Sunday evening, November 17 (November 26 in the Persian calendar), during a cabinet session that the government’s goal with the subsidy support plan was to help middle and low-income families who are under economic pressure due to sanctions.

According to Mehr News Agency, Rouhani referred to public protests against the tripling of gasoline prices and said: “Fortunately, according to statistics from these three days, those who engaged in rioting are very few in number.” He added: “Although some may have come and said this action was good or bad, those who sought rioting—destruction of public property, arson, and attacks—were very few in number.”

The president made no reference to deaths of protesting citizens following security forces’ gunfire and continued: “The Ministry of Intelligence, police, Revolutionary Guards, Basij, and all armed and security forces, whom I thank, made every effort to identify the ringleaders seeking to destroy public property, arrested some, and will arrest others, and they must be dealt with according to the law.”

Rouhani said: “The people in no city or gathering joined the rioters, conspirators, and vandals. They remained that same small number. They caused some damage, but the people dealt with it wisely.”

He added: “I have seen many videos of these incidents. The number of these people and those committing destruction is very few—it is not significant.”

[21:42] Four Secular Opposition Groups Support Continuation and Expansion of Street Protests

Four secular opposition groups—the Union of Iranian Republicans, the Socialist Workers Party of Iran (Fadaiian Khalq), the National Front of Iran organizations abroad, and the Solidarity of Iranian Republicans—issued a joint statement supporting the public protests in Iran and calling for their continuation and expansion.

The statement noted that the gasoline price increase was implemented while government factions are plundering the nation’s wealth, economic sectors belonging to the Revolutionary Guards and the Supreme Leader’s office are mostly exempt from taxation, enormous budgets are allocated to military, security, intelligence, propaganda, and seminary organizations, and part of foreign exchange revenues are being directed to the Syrian government, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Ansarallah in Yemen, Popular Mobilization Forces, and other groups affiliated with the Iranian regime under the name of expanding strategic depth.

Regarding statements by Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, the four secular political groups wrote in their statement: “Khamenei’s emphasis on ‘evildoers’ in the public protests, while dismissing people’s concerns and steadfast resistance against the energy price increases, revealed that a bloody and widespread crackdown has been green-lit by him. The reformist Hope faction’s capitulation to Khamenei’s threats and withdrawal of the plan to halt energy price increases showed that the dominant faction of reformists has become increasingly absorbed in the status quo and is unable to bring about the changes desired by the people.”

[20:36] Marivan Journalist: Direct Shooting at People in Kurdistan

Adnan Hasanpour, a journalist from Marivan, told media outlets that the level of violence used by security forces against people in Kurdish regions was unprecedented. He said that security forces began directly shooting at people starting Saturday when protests escalated.

According to the journalist, at least six Marivan citizens were killed by direct gunfire from Islamic Republic security forces, and many others were wounded.

Hasanpour added that angry people, in reaction to these direct shootings, destroyed government buildings and sometimes engaged with security forces.

He stated that on Sunday the city was almost shut down and security forces had cordoned off different areas of the city since early morning, but protests continued.

Regarding protests in Kurdish areas, he said protests in Sanandaj with one death on Saturday, Saghez, Javanrood (with seven deaths), Taheran-Shahr, and many other Kurdish cities continued.

There is no accurate count of detentions throughout Kurdistan.

Adnan Hasanpour is a journalist who was released from prison in 2016 after ten years in detention.

[19:20] Shirin Ebadi Calls on International Bodies to Help Restore Internet Freedom in Iran

Shirin Ebadi, Iranian human rights lawyer and Nobel Peace Prize winner, referring to recent protests against gasoline prices in Iran, the use of violence against protesters, and internet shutdowns in the country, called on the United Nations and other international bodies to help restore internet freedom and information access in Iran.

Ebadi wrote in her statement that the Islamic Republic, which according to circulated videos, calls protesting people “shot by bullets” and “rioters,” while “the real rioting is the economic crisis and difficult living conditions of the Iranian people.”

She noted that many protesters have been killed, wounded, and detained, and the fate of the detained is unknown due to blocked news channels.

Ebadi called on the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Human Rights Committee of the European Union to prevent “further suppression” of the Iranian people.

She asked international human rights and freedom of expression organizations to “use all their capabilities to lift news and information restrictions by people” and asked international organizations supporting free information to “provide the technical tools for this monopoly-breaking.”

[19:00] Iran’s Prosecutor General: Damaged Property Owners Should File Complaints

Iran’s Prosecutor General, through a circular, asked those whose property was damaged during recent gasoline price protests to file complaints against those he called “evildoers.”

According to Farsnews, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri asked the damaged property owners to file complaints with prosecutors and relevant judicial authorities so that “the perpetrators are condemned to compensate for the damages caused.”

[18:25] Human Rights Watch: Families of Killed and Detained Protesters Should Contact Us

Following nationwide public protests against the threefold increase in gasoline prices in various Iranian cities, Kent Rath, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, said: “Iranians, with only limited means of influencing their government through democratic methods, take to the streets in protest against the massive gasoline price increase.”

Human Rights Watch stated on its Twitter account: “If you know families of those killed or detained in recent protests or have contact information for them, please contact us.”

[18:05] “Possibility of Several Other Iranian Parliament Members Resigning”

Etemaad Online reported, based on its sources, that in addition to Mahmoud Sadeghi, Tehran representative, and Mohammad Qasim Osmani, Boukan representative, several other representatives have prepared their resignations.

The report stated: “It is said that Jasemi, Kermanshah representative, Mohammad Javad Abtahi, Khomeini Shahr representative, and Mohammad Javad Fathi, Tehran representative, are among those representatives who have prepared their resignations.”

[17:50] “Protests Continue in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Several Other Cities”

Reports published on social media indicate ongoing protests and severe clashes with security forces and shooting at gasoline price protesters in some parts of Iran.

According to these reports, protests continued in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Mahshahr, Shahr-e-Qods, Sanandaj, Islamshahr, and Karaj.

News and videos published on social media indicate security forces attacking demonstrators and shooting at protesters.

[17:25] Boukan Representative in Parliament Resigns

Mohammad Qasim Osmani, Boukan representative in Iran’s parliament, resigned in protest of the government’s decision to triple gasoline prices.

ILNA reported that Osmani said during the parliament’s public session this afternoon: “If the parliament speaker is going to express his opinion in decision-making centers, why are we in parliament? And I am submitting my resignation to the presidium in protest of this matter.”

[17:20] Tehran Market Inspections Doubled

The deputy for inspection and supervision of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture announced that market inspections regarding price increase prohibition after gasoline price increases have doubled.

According to ISNA, Ezzatollah Afzali, on the sidelines of the third special meeting of the Market Regulation Headquarters, said that the 124 system is a communication bridge for citizens and they can report violations through this system.

He continued: “We continuously conduct joint inspections with representatives of the Consumer Support Organization, trade union inspectors of Tehran province, and the General Inspection Organization to provide supervision services.”

 

[17:15] University of Tabriz Students Demonstrate Against Price Increases

A group of University of Tabriz students in East Azerbaijan province of Iran gathered in protest of economic and livelihood problems.

According to ISNA, these students marched from the central building to the university mosque holding placards reading “No to price increases” and “Students are alive.”

Students also chanted slogans focusing on economic problems, especially unemployment, and expressed dissatisfaction with the existence of economic corruption.

During the public protests over the three-day period against the tripling of gasoline prices, several Iranians have lost their lives and at least a thousand have been detained.

 

[17:03] Impeachment Motion Against Hassan Rouhani Prepared in Iranian Parliament

Jalal Mahmoudzadeh, member of the Hope faction in Iran’s parliament, announced the preparation and signing of an impeachment motion against Hassan Rouhani, Iran’s president, by 28 representatives and the continuation of collecting signatures for it.

In an interview with the website “Alef,” he said the motion has six main points, including poor market regulation management, inflation and high prices, inability to control currency, increasing unemployment, and a 300-percent price increase in gasoline.

He said signatories are from different political factions in parliament.

According to Article 228 of the parliament’s internal regulations, impeaching the president must be signed by at least one-third of the current 288 parliament members, and a two-thirds majority of 192 votes is needed to remove the president.

[16:50] Two Sports Matches in Iran Postponed

Two games involving Mazandaran representatives in the country’s premier futsal and volleyball leagues, which were scheduled for Sunday, November 26, coinciding with the peak of street protests against gasoline prices, have been cancelled.

According to Mehr, both matches were postponed and no reason for the cancellation was announced.

[16:20] Security Body: Protests Spread to 100 Locations Across Country

Farsnews, citing an initial assessment by a security body, reported that protests against gasoline price increases took place in 100 locations across the country.

Based on this, the number of demonstrators was estimated at 87,400, of which 82,200 were men and 5,200 were women. Approximately a thousand people were also detained.

In this assessment, it was claimed that more than 100 banks were damaged in these gatherings.

The report also stated that these protests were “more widespread and destructive” than the December 2017 protests and consequently brought “greater financial and human damages.”

[15:43] Announcement of School Bus Fuel Rations

The secretary of the Supreme Coordination Council of Iranian Cities announced a monthly fuel ration of 120 liters for school buses.

According to Farsnews, Mohsen Hajimirza’ee said this ration would be calculated and implemented after all buses are registered and their needs are assessed, starting from the rationing implementation date of November 15 (current).

 

[15:30] Gold Union Chief Calls for Restoring Market Stability

The head of Tehran’s Gold and Jewelry Union, referring to last night’s fire in the city’s grand bazaar, announced that the gold market would remain open on Sunday.

According to Eghtesad Online, Ibrahim Mohammadali, noting the gold price increase following the currency rate jump in recent days, called for the Central Bank’s intervention to stabilize the current situation.

 

[15:20] Police Forces Report Death of One Officer in Kermanshah

The police commander of Kermanshah Province announced the death of one police officer in clashes with gasoline price protesters.

According to Farsnews, Ali Akbar Javidan said the officer from Elihieh police station, named Iraj Javaheri, was killed during Saturday evening disturbances.

He claimed that the officer was killed by gunfire from “armed” individuals who “stormed” the police station and sought to take it over.

[15:05] US State Department Senior Advisor: Close Iranian Officials’ Accounts Until Internet Access Restored

Len Khodorkovsky, senior advisor to the US State Department, in a tweet, called on digital media companies to quickly close the social media accounts of Iranian government officials in light of widespread internet shutdowns in Iran.

He asked that these accounts remain closed until Iranian people regain internet access.

[14:50] Judiciary Chief Statement on Fuel Rationing and Price Increases

Iran’s chief justice, in a statement addressed to judicial officials, emphasized the need to clarify the gasoline price and rationing plan and asked prosecutors to take firm action against what he called “counter-revolutionary activities,” “infiltrators,” and “sabotage acts.”

According to Al-Alam Network, Ibrahim Raisi said the nation’s inspection organization must continuously oversee “where revenues from gasoline price increases are spent and the government’s duties in preventing price increases, full implementation of government commitments to the people, including timely and regular subsidy payments.”

He also tasked the first deputy of the judiciary with “forming a committee consisting of the prosecutor general, head of the inspection organization, and head of the judicial administration office, and inviting relevant officials to follow up on the above matters, review the status of judicial jurisdictions and received reports, and provide necessary recommendations.”

 

[14:10] Mike Pompeo: America Hears the Voice of Iranian People and Stands With Them

Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State, tweeted that as he said a year and a half ago, America stands with the Iranian people.

He retweeted a tweet from July 23, 2018, in which he emphasized that America hears the voice of “the proud people of Iran” and supports them.

[14:00] Ministry of Intelligence: We Will Make Khamenei’s Orders Our Top Priority

Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence announced in a statement the “identification of main agents of the disturbances of the past two days.” The ministry said it makes Ali Khamenei’s orders for countering protests its “top priority” and will firmly deal with what he called “security threats and disruption of security and peace.”

The ministry’s statement continued: “The main agents of disturbances from two days ago have been identified and appropriate measures are being taken, the results of which will be reported to the Iranian nation.”

 

[13:50] Asadollah Abbasi Called Some Detainees “Mujahedin” Affiliates

The spokesman for the parliament’s presidium, citing Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, claimed that some gasoline price protest detainees were affiliated with the Mujahedin-e Khalq organization.

According to Etemaad Online, Abbasi called some protesters “hooligans” and described others as ordinary people.

Quoting Mohammad Mohammadi Shahneshin, representative of Shahr-e-Qods, he claimed that during last night’s protests in his constituency, “one person died due to stone-throwing.”

[13:30] “Mahmoud Sadeghi Resigns from Parliamentary Seat”

Etemaad Online reported: “Mahmoud Sadeghi, Tehran representative in the Islamic Consultative Assembly, will resign from his parliamentary seat this Sunday afternoon, November 26.”

The report continued: “Etemaad Online’s sources indicate that Mahmoud Sadeghi, Tehran representative in the Islamic Consultative Assembly and member of the Hope faction’s central council, is resigning from his parliamentary seat in protest of parliament’s failure to lead and the gasoline price increase.”

No announcement has yet been made on his Twitter account and Telegram channel. He only tweeted previously that the price reform plan in recent months had faced “unanimous opposition from parliament members” and despite parliament’s opposition had “been approved by the heads of the three branches and confirmed by the Supreme Leader.”

Sadeghi also previously called the sudden gasoline price increase “a wrong decision” in another tweet.

[13:20] US Ambassador to Germany: We Have Technical Capability to Restore Internet in Iran

Richard Grenell, US Ambassador to Germany, tweeted about the technical capability to restore internet for the Iranian people.

He assured that this internet would be “free from Iranian government blockers.”

Grenell added that Europe and America should “do this together.”

[13:00] Tensions Spread to Tehran Bazaar

While social media reported “Tehran bazaar joining the strike,” the secretary general of the Association of Islamic Guilds reported that attempts “to disrupt Tehran bazaar” were “unsuccessful” with police help.

According to ISNA, Ahmad Karimi Esfahani said: “This morning Tehran bazaar opened as usual, but some people outside the bazaar brought tension to the market.”

He said bazaar merchants closed the market because “police would establish market security.”

He added that with police presence, more than 50 percent of shops have reopened so far.

 

[12:40] Interior Minister Threatens Protesters With Strong Force

Iran’s Interior Minister, referring to gasoline price protests in the country, said that some protesters damaged vehicles and public property and threatened that these individuals have been precisely identified through cameras and will be dealt with.

Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli threatened protesters with strong force and said: “Although we have shown restraint so far, we have acted in a way that is justified and prevents actions that would upset the people.” He added: “The decision is that if [protests] continue, police and security forces will necessarily do their duty.”

 

[12:20] Yazd Prosecutor Reports Arrest of 40 Protesters

The chief prosecutor and revolutionary prosecutor of Yazd, referring to protests against gasoline prices in the city, announced the arrest of 40 people, whom he referred to as “rioters.”

According to Mehr, Mohammad Hadadeh said most of these gatherings were “peaceful” but in a few places “opportunistic and hostile elements” entered the crowds and “destroyed public property and in some cases clashed with police, which even resulted in police injuries.”

He added: “Most of those arrested are non-local and non-Yazdi.”

Hadadeh emphasized that “any rioting resulting in destruction of people’s property or norm-breaking behaviors” will be dealt with according to the law.

 

[12:10] US State Department Spokesman Condemns Internet Shutdowns in Iran

Morgan Ortagus, US State Department spokesman, tweeted, referring to widespread protests in Iran against gasoline prices: “The United States stands with the Iranian people as they protest the latest injustice from the corrupt regime.”

He also wrote that America condemns the Iranian regime’s attempt to shut down the internet in the country.

[10:00] Parliament Members Align With Government on Gasoline Price Increases

Asadollah Abbasi, spokesman for the parliament’s presidium, announced parliament’s support for the gasoline price increase. Abbasi said “the fuel rationing plan was approved by the Supreme National Security Council and confirmed by the heads of the branches and the Supreme Leader, and parliament supports it.”

Also, two bills from the reformist Hope faction in parliament regarding canceling the gradual gasoline price increase and making it a single price were removed from the agenda due to Ayatollah Khamenei’s support for the price increase.

According to IRNA, Fatemeh Saidi said on Sunday in a press conference: “The central council of the Hope faction, given the expert views of specialized committees, had prepared a three-urgent bill to cancel the gasoline price increase and subsequently increase it gradually through multi-year budgets, which was removed from the agenda given this morning’s Supreme Leader’s emphasis.”

She added: “The Hope faction had also prepared another two-urgent bill based on which gasoline would be supplied at a single price of 1,500 tomans, which was also removed from the agenda due to today’s Supreme Leader’s emphasis.”

 

Source: DW