Iran arrests 139 foreigners over unrest
World
Iranian authorities say they have detained 139 foreign nationals suspected of involvement in organizing anti-government protests. The arrests took place in the central city of Yazd amid ongoing unrest and disputes over the death toll.
According to state media, the detainees were allegedly involved in organizing, inciting, and directing riots, and some were in contact with networks abroad.
Yazd police chief Ahmad Negahban said the foreigners were identified during investigations into recent protests. Their nationalities have not been disclosed.
The protests, which began over rising living costs, later evolved into large-scale anti-government demonstrations across the country.
The number of casualties remains disputed. Iranian authorities report thousands of deaths, claiming most were security personnel and civilians, while human rights groups say the toll is significantly higher and largely consists of protesters.
Tehran insists the unrest was instigated from abroad, blaming the United States and Israel. Rights organizations, meanwhile, report mass arrests and a harsh crackdown on demonstrations nationwide.
Yazd police chief Ahmad Negahban said the foreigners were identified during investigations into recent protests. Their nationalities have not been disclosed.
The protests, which began over rising living costs, later evolved into large-scale anti-government demonstrations across the country.
The number of casualties remains disputed. Iranian authorities report thousands of deaths, claiming most were security personnel and civilians, while human rights groups say the toll is significantly higher and largely consists of protesters.
Tehran insists the unrest was instigated from abroad, blaming the United States and Israel. Rights organizations, meanwhile, report mass arrests and a harsh crackdown on demonstrations nationwide.
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