WEB DESK
Forty people have been arrested in the central Iranian city of Yazd after clashes with police over hike in petrol prices.
Semi-official ISNA news agency today quoted the province’s public prosecutor Mohammad Hadadzadeh, saying that those detained were disruptors accused of carrying out acts of vandalism and most of them were not locals.
Protests flared across Iran on Friday hours after it was announced the price of petrol would be increased by 50 per cent for the first 60 litres and 300 per cent for anything above that each month. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has backed the government’s decision to increase the prices. The country’s state television reported Khamenei saying that those setting fire to public property during protests are backed by counter-revolutionaries and the enemies of Iran.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei backs government over 50% increase in petrol prices
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has backed the government’s decision to increase gasoline prices.
The country’s state television reported Khamenei saying that those setting fire to public property during protests against the hikes are backed by counter-revolutionaries and the enemies of Iran.
The Supreme Leader’s comments came just days after a 50 per cent hike in gasoline prices sparked protests across the country.
At least two people have been killed during the protests.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Interior Minister has warned that security officials will step up action against the protesters.