Protests sparked by economic hardship have spread across Iran, in the biggest wave of dissent in three years.

Iran’s judiciary said it will fast-track trials in response to the ongoing wave of protests across large parts of the country.

“In order to deal swiftly, accurately and comprehensively with the cases of the rioters,” special judicial chambers will be staffed by “experienced judges” Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the head of Iran’s judiciary, was quoted as ‌saying by state ⁠media.

“From now on, there will be no leniency for whoever helps the enemy against the Islamic Republic and the calm of the people,” Ejei said, while accusing Israel and the United States of fueling the protests.

More than 2,000 people have been detained in the first 10 days of protests that have spread rapidly across Iran after anger erupted in Tehran in late December.

The unrest followed a sharp drop in the national currency against major foreign currencies.

President urges restraint

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which relies on an activist network inside Iran for its reporting and has been accurate during past unrest, said at least 36 people have been killed in the ongoing violence.

It said demonstrations have spread to 27 of Iran’s 31 provinces.

Iranian authorities have not given a death toll for protesters, but have said at least two members of the security services have died and more than a dozen have been injured.

Meanwhile, Iran’s reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian has reportedly ordered security forces not to crack down on economic protests.

In a video released by Iran’s Mehr news agency, Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah said Pezeshkian ordered “no security measures” against protesters but added that forces must act against rioters.

“Those who carry firearms, knives and machetes and who attack police stations and military sites are rioters,” Ghaempanah said, adding that “we must distinguish protesters from rioters.”

Iran’s president is not the most senior figure in the Islamic Republic — that position belongs to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who over the weekend said “rioters must be put in their place.”

International pressure on Iran

The protests were triggered by turmoil in Iran’s foreign exchange market but have since grown to focus on broader frustrations, with some protesters chanting against the country’s clerical rulers.

Authorities have acknowledged the economic hardships highlighted by the demonstrators but accused networks linked to foreign powers of stoking the unrest.

President Pezeshkian had promised reforms to help stabilize the monetary and banking systems and protect purchasing power, but this has done little to quell the demonstrations.

Iran also remains under international pressure, with US President Donald Trump threatening last Friday to come to the aid of protesters if security forces fired on them.

Edited by: Wesley Rahn

DW News