TEHRAN – The Tehran Friday prayer leader told worshippers that “intelligent protestors” who are concerned about Iran’s independence and power will set a distinction between themselves and the “violent ill-wishers” and “disruptors of public order”, suggesting this is an “absolute necessity”.

The comments by Hojatoleslam Mohammad Hassan Aboutorabi-Fard follows more than a week of protests over a sharp depreciation of national currency and the ensuing prices rises, especially food staples. However, some violent protestors are misusing the situation by destroying public properties and attacking security forces.  

The protests first started in Tehran’s Bazaar (marketplace) and gradually spread to some other parts of the capital’s great Bazaar and other cities across the country. On Thursday night, sporadic protests took place in Tehran as certain hooligans set buses and ambulances on fire.

Aboutorabi-Fard said the country has faced “bitter events” in recent days, suggesting that special attention should be paid to the concerns and criticisms of entrepreneurs and trade associations. 

He added setting a distinction between civil protesters and rioters is a “great social responsibility”, adding that creating security and fostering national unity is necessary to counter problems.

The Friday prayer leader insisted that “our youth should know that violent protestors” are dancing to the tune of the “unachievable goals” of foreign enemies.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, the cleric said common people, shopkeepers, and businesspersons are demanding “economic stability” and this entails putting a brake on inflation and the depreciation of national currency. 

Aboutorabi-Fard praised the sacrifices of security forces in protecting public security and social order, saying, “We are firmly standing with FARAJA (law enforcement forces) and those forces protecting security.” 

The cleric added these forces are “patiently tolerating” injuries inflicted on them by violent protestors.

According to the Tasnim news agency, a number of security forces were killed in the Thursday night’s riots.