The statement was made by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who for the first time publicly acknowledged the scale of the violence. The protests, which began in September, have seen widespread clashes between security forces and protesters. The government has been accused of using excessive force to suppress the demonstrations, with reports of hundreds of people being killed or injured.
Government Response to Protests
The government has long denied reports of widespread violence and deaths during the protests. However, on Wednesday, Khamenei said that "some people have lost their lives" but did not provide a specific number. The statement was seen as a rare admission of the scale of the violence, and a sign that the government is trying to contain the crisis.
The protests began in September, sparked by a rise in fuel prices and a perceived erosion of civil liberties. They quickly escalated into a wider movement against the government, with demands for reform and an end to the country's authoritarian rule.
International Reaction to Khamenei's Statement
The international community has been critical of the government's response to the protests. The United States, European Union, and other countries have called for restraint and an investigation into the violence. Khamenei's statement was seen as a sign that the government is trying to appease the international community and contain the crisis.
However, human rights groups say that the statement does not go far enough. Amnesty International said that the government's admission of the scale of the violence is a "small step" but that it needs to take more action to hold those responsible accountable.
Protests Continue Across Iran
Despite Khamenei's statement, protests continue to spread across Iran. Demonstrators have taken to the streets in cities and towns across the country, calling for reform and an end to the government's authoritarian rule.
The protests have seen widespread clashes between security forces and protesters, with reports of hundreds of people being killed or injured. The government has been accused of using excessive force to suppress the demonstrations, and human rights groups have called for an investigation into the violence.
The situation remains volatile, with the protests showing no signs of abating. The international community will be watching closely to see how the government responds to the crisis, and whether it will take any concrete steps to address the demands of the protesters.