The White House on Monday (local time) said that it is “alarmed and appalled” by reports of Iranian security forces’ response to the university students’ peaceful protests with violence and mass arrests.
“We’re alarmed and appalled by reports of security authorities responding to university students’ peaceful protests with violence and mass arrests. University students are the talented young people who should be the future of Iran, “White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters travelling with President Joe Biden to Puerto Rico. Iran has witnessed protests after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old from Iranian Kurdistan. As per reports, at least 92 people have been killed nationwide in Iran amid protests.
The White House press secretary also said that the students are “rightly engaged” (enraged) by the death of Mahsa Amini, the Iranian government’s treatment of women and girls, and the ongoing violent crackdown on peaceful protests.
“This weekend’s crackdowns are precisely the sort of behaviour that drives Iran’s talented young people to leave the country by the thousands to seek dignity and opportunity elsewhere,” she added.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, has blamed the United States for the ongoing protests in the country. Speaking at a graduation ceremony on Monday, Khamenei said he was heartbroken at the death of the 22-year-old girl in police custody. However, he did not approve of the large-scale demonstrations following the death of Amini.
Since Amini’s death, thousands have joined anti-government demonstrations throughout the country. Security forces have responded at times with live ammunition, and many people have been killed, injured and detained in the protests.
