Khamenei's government declares protesters 'enemies of Allah'

The Iranian government has warned that those participating in the two-week-long anti-government protests will be considered 'Mohareb', or 'enemies of Allah'. The country's Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad said in a statement on state television that those who participate in the protests or assist the protesters in any way could face severe punishments, including the death penalty.

According to Article 186 of Iran's Penal Code, a person is considered a 'Mohareb' if he knowingly assists a group involved in an armed rebellion against the Islamic Republic. This charge can apply even if he does not directly take up arms. Article 190 of the Penal Code provides for the death penalty, amputation or exile within the country as punishment for 'Mohareb'.

The statement also said that the trial process must be completed quickly without any leniency, sympathy or concessions. Tehran has taken this tough stance despite warnings from the United States.

According to the US-based human rights organization Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 65 people have been killed and more than 2,300 people have been detained in these protests so far. Internet and telephone communications have been shut down in the capital Tehran since Thursday to control the situation.

Meanwhile, exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has called on the people to continue taking to the streets to protest. He requested the protesters to carry the old Iranian flag with the historical lion-sun symbol and other national symbols.

It is worth noting that the protests began in late December last year with a record drop in the value of the Iranian currency, the rial. Initially, it was born from economic dissatisfaction, but later it turned into a nationwide anti-government movement.