Iran vows harsh crackdown on economic protests
Despite a massive security presence, many Iranian cities continue to witness rallies triggered by soaring prices, with protesters chanting slogans against the country's top leadership.
Deputy commander of Iran's police Brig. Gen. Qasem Rezaee issued a severe warning against Iranian protesters infuriated by a sharp steep in prices of basic food products.
"Police will act against those individuals with firmness," Rezaee declared in an interview May 19, adding that his forces "will not tolerate" the rallies in which "public and private properties" have been targeted.
