Tolga Akbaba and Serdar Dincel
09 January 2026•Update: 09 January 2026
ISTANBUL
Tehran’s public prosecutor urged Iranian citizens on Friday “not to go outside” amid anti-government protests, fueled by deteriorating economic conditions in the country.
“The enemy’s paid elements are killing those who take part in protests. Do not go outside,” Ali Salehi said in comments carried by Iranian state media.
He warned that protestors involved in burning government buildings, and clashing with security forces would face the death sentence.
“We will show absolutely no tolerance toward armed elements,” he said.
"They will be tried for combat-related crimes. The safety of our citizens is our red line. Our fight against terrorists will be a deterrent."
The warning comes as all schools in Tehran have decided to swtich to remote learning until the weekend amid protests.
Iran has been rocked by waves of protests since last month, which first started on Dec. 28 at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, the heart of the capital’s business activity, over the sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial and worsening economic conditions. Demonstrations later spread to several other cities across the country.
Iranian authorities have not released official figures on casualties. However, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said in a report published Wednesday that at least 38 people were killed, including four members of the security forces. The agency also reported dozens of injuries and 2,217 arrests.
