The Iranian nation will crush a tiny minority that resorts to unlawful measures,
chants slogans against the law and public demands, insults holy and
revolutionary values, and damages public properties, President Rouhani said in a
meeting with chairpersons of parliamentary commissions, held in Tehran on
Monday.
People have the right to protest and voice criticism, Rouhani added, stressing
that such measures should be organized in compliance with the regulations.
Highlighting his administration’s economic achievements in the current Iranian
year, the president said Iran’s six-month economic growth rate reached 6
percent, well above the average rate of 2 to 3 percent in other countries.
Pointing to the great turnout in the presidential election and Iran’s success in
various fields, he said Iran’s national unity and progress have been a thorn in
the side of the enemies.
The enemies, infuriated by Iran’s success in politics and in the region, tried
to take revenge by prompting some individuals to create chaos, the president
deplored, saying the adversaries have explicitly declared that troubles should
grip Tehran.
Stressing the need for national unity to deal with the recent problems, Rouhani
said the administration, the Parliament and the Judiciary should stand together
with a united voice.
Some cities of Iran witnessed rallies over the past days in protest at price
hikes and economic woes.
Police arrested a number of demonstrators who were trying to damage public
property in the gatherings.
According to Article 27 of the Iranian Constitution, "public gatherings and
marches are allowed so long as the participants do not carry arms and are not in
violation of the fundamental principles of Islam.”
Following the civil rallies, some Western and Arab media outlets tried to
portray the protests as a political uprising against the Establishment.
Iranian officials maintain that people have the right to stage protests to
express their opinions, as long as the rallies comply with the legal conditions.
Source:Tasnim News Agency