 "India advises against non-essential travel to Iran amid escalating protests")
India has issued an advisory for its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Iranian capital of Tehran, as the country witnesses widespread protests.
“Indian citizens and PIOs currently in Iran should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, and closely monitor news as well as the website and social media handles of the Embassy of India in Tehran," the advisory said.
Indian citizens living in Iran on resident visas have been asked to register themselves with the Indian Embassy, if not already done so.
Iran has been rocked by violent protests since last week, after people gathered on the streets to demonstrate against the country’s dwindling economy. Protests erupted on December 28 when shopkeepers in the capital, Tehran, staged a strike over high prices and economic stagnation. They have since spread to other cities and expanded to include political demands.
Iran will offer no leniency to “rioters,” though the public has a right to demonstrate, the head of the country’s judiciary said on Monday, following more than a week of sometimes-deadly protests.
The remarks came after US President Donald Trump warned Iran would “get hit very hard by the United States” if the authorities killed more demonstrators.
“I instruct the attorney general and prosecutors across the country to act in accordance with the law and with resolve against the rioters and those who support them… and to show no leniency or indulgence,” Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said, according to the judiciary’s Mizan news agency.
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View AllHe went on to add that Iran “listens to the protesters and their criticism, and distinguishes between them and rioters.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Iran to respect the demonstrators’ right to peaceful protest, according to his spokesman Stephane Dujarric, underscoring “the need to prevent further casualties.”
With inputs from agencies
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