Iraqi Political Figure Warns against Interfering in Iran’s Internal Affairs

TEHRAN (defapress) – A Top Iraqi politician referred to recent civil unrest in Iran and urged other states to avoid meddling in the country’s internal affairs.

News ID: 67912

Date: 04 January 2018 - 16:01

Leader of Iraq’s National Alliance Ammar al-Hakim in a statement insisted that “What is happening in neighboring Iran is a domestic issue.”

He urged all countries and international organizations to avoid meddling in Iran’s affairs.

Certainly, igniting violence will not help peace and security in the region, the cleric said in a reference to certain regional and international powers’ provocations.

He stressed that he has absolute trust in the ability of the Iranian people and leadership to deal with the issue.

Last week, a number of peaceful protests over economic problems broke out in several Iranian cities, but the gatherings turned violent when groups of participants, some of them armed, vandalized public property and launched attacks on police stations and government buildings.

Over a dozen people were killed in the ensuing violence, according to media reports.

On Wednesday and Thursday, Iranians from all walks of life took to the streets in several cities to condemn the violence.

The participants voiced support for the government and shouted slogans against the US and the Israeli regime for backing the riots.

Some Western and Arab media outlets tried to portray the recent protests as a political uprising against the Establishment.

Iranian officials maintain that people have the right to stage protests to express their opinions, as long as rallies comply with the legal conditions.

According to Article 27 of the Iranian Constitution, “public gatherings and marches are allowed so long as the participants do not carry arms and are not in violation of the fundamental principles of Islam.”